A future drug could block the growth of tumors

This trial drug may stop the growth of tumors

The MYC gene, involved in the maintenance of many cancers, is a difficult target to fight. At an annual congress in Spain, researchers are currently presenting the results of a successful initial clinical trial targeting MYC.

[EN VIDÉO]

[EN VIDÉO] Cancer: better understanding tumors to fight them better Futura-Sciences went to the Cancer Research Center in Marseille to understand the first steps needed in the fight against cancer. From the molecular deregulation of cells to the diagnosis of tumor severity.

For the first time, a drug was able to safely inhibit the function of the MYC gene, involved in tumor growth, in a phase I clinical trial. “MYC is one of the most sought after targets in cancer, as it plays a key role in the onset and maintenance of many common human cancers, such as breast, prostate, lung and ovarian cancer. said Dr. Elena Garralda at the 34th Congress on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapy currently underway in Barcelona, ​​Spain.

As with any initial clinical trial, a small group of volunteers (22 people as of April 2021) were recruited to assess the safety of the drug in humans and its early anticancer effects. Researchers have developed a protein called “OMO-103” which can reach the cell nucleus and had already shown a capacity to block MYC in experiments on mice. The protein was administered intravenously at different doses (0.48 to 9.72 mg per kg of patient weight) and for several weeks.

A phase I clinical trial consists in evaluating the safety of use of a new molecule, the side effects it can produce and the obtaining of the first elements of its anticancer activity. © momius, Adobe Stock

Towards a Phase II clinical trial

By taking biopsies of tumors, the researchers found a stabilization of the disease in some patients, as the treatment stopped the growth of the cancer. They specify that eight of the twelve patients who underwent CT after nine weeks had stable disease as of October 10, 2022.

Furthermore, the results show that the volunteers generally experienced mild side effects with OMO-103 that could be associated with chemotherapy or other therapies. The drug is now ready to move into a phase II study, with a recommended dose of 6.48 mg per kg.