California Researchers Team Up with Astronauts to Study Cancer Growth in Space
In a groundbreaking collaboration, California researchers have joined forces with astronauts to explore the growth of cancer cells in space. By taking the battle against cancer to the stars, scientists hope to gain valuable insights into the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
The unique environment of space, characterized by microgravity or weak gravity, places cells under immense stress, causing them to age at an accelerated rate. This phenomenon offers scientists the opportunity to observe the rapid growth of cancer cells and the impact of various treatments in a much shorter timeframe than possible on Earth.
On January 18, the Axiom 3 spaceflight embarked on a mission to the International Space Station from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Alongside the four crewmembers were miniature tumor organoids, created from the cells of cancer patients and cultivated in the laboratory by researchers at the University of California San Diego.
Although the Axiom 3 was originally scheduled to return to Earth on Saturday, its splashdown has been delayed until Tuesday due to inclement weather conditions. Manufactured by SpaceX, the Crew Dragon spacecraft used for this mission has been instrumental in facilitating these groundbreaking experiments.
This is not the first time that Dr. Catriona H.M. Jamieson, a hematologist and medical professor at the University of California San Diego, has sent samples into space. Her team previously launched stem cells on multiple SpaceX flights and observed pre-leukemic changes that occurred at a faster rate compared to controls on the ground.
Inspired by these findings, Dr. Jamieson and her team decided to investigate how cancer cells would respond to the stress of microgravity. They discovered that cancer cells activated a cloning gene called ADAR1, which led to their rapid growth in just 10 days—much faster than their counterparts on Earth. Further investigations revealed that ADAR1 proliferated significantly in space tumors, indicating unchecked and alarming growth.
Building on these discoveries, Dr. Jamieson’s team treated mini tumors with two different anti-cancer medications that block ADAR1 in distinct ways. One of these drugs, fedratinib, is already approved by the FDA for treating blood cancers but not solid masses.
Encouraged by the results, the team began developing an experimental drug called rebecsinib, which inhibits ADAR1 activation by preventing the production of malignant proteins. Breast cancer mini tumors treated with rebecsinib were included in the payload of the Axiom 3 mission. Initial findings indicate that rebecsinib significantly inhibits cancer growth compared to control samples and is even more effective than fedratinib.
Dr. Jamieson describes rebecsinib as a potential “kill switch” for cancer, as it prevents breast cancer cells from cloning themselves. The team aims to launch clinical trials for this promising drug on Earth by the end of the year.
The results observed in space have given Dr. Jamieson and her team a concrete reason for hope. They believe that the data obtained from these experiments can contribute to advancing life-saving innovations in cancer treatment. Collaborators in this endeavor include NASA and European astronauts, emphasizing the seriousness and importance of this research.
Dr. Jamieson concludes by stating that they are determined to continue their efforts and bring this potentially groundbreaking treatment to clinics. The dedication and commitment of the team, along with the support from scientists on the ground and space agencies, highlight the significance of this research in the fight against cancer.
The collaboration between California researchers and astronauts represents a significant step forward in our understanding of cancer growth and treatment. By harnessing the unique conditions of space, scientists have unlocked new possibilities for combating this devastating disease. As we look to the future, the hope for effective cancer treatments continues to shine brightly.
