New class of KRAS inhibitors shows promise in shrinking NF1 nerve tumors
A scientist at Cincinnati Children's who has hunted for decades for ways to shrink the painful and disfiguring nerve tumors caused by neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) has made a new breakthrough in the quest. Nancy Ratner, Ph.D., and a team of nine co-authors are reporting that a novel class of medications—known as KRAS inhibitors—shows at least as much potential as FDA-approved MEK inhibitors in…
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital have discovered a new class of medications, known as KRAS inhibitors, that show potential in shrinking nerve tumors associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Nancy Ratner, a researcher at the hospital, and her team have reported that these inhibitors may be as effective as FDA-approved MEK inhibitors in treating NF1 tumors.
Their findings, published in the journal Science Advances, provide preclinical evidence for KRAS inhibition as a novel treatment strategy for NF1-associated neurofibromas. The research involved genetically engineered mouse models and demonstrated that KRAS plays a key role in tumor formation when Schwann cells lack the Nf1 gene.
Administering the KRAS inhibitor BI6674 to mice resulted in tumor reduction comparable to that achieved by MEK inhibitors. While the inhibitor has the potential to be a less toxic alternative to MEK inhibitors, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.
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