Is a More Effective Cancer Treatment Just Around the Corner?

 by Isobella P

MRI showing glioblastoma

Scientists at the University of Sussex have identified a protein which blocks cancer cells from responding to chemotherapeutic treatment for an aggressive brain cancer, known as a glioblastoma. 

Glioblastomas are known as some of the most common types of malignant brain tumours as well as being ranked among the worst types of all types of cancer by the US. In the UK, between 1995 and 2017, around 32 out of every 100 primary brain tumours were glioblastomas. The average life expectancy from this aggressive brain cancer after diagnosis is 14 to 16 months. However, approximately 1% of patients survive at least 10 years.

It tends to occur more often in men and older adults and the most common symptoms are: progressively worsening headaches, nausea and vomiting, blurred and double vision as well as seizures. 

Normally, the patient undergoes surgery to remove the tumour. After the patient has undergone this surgery, they are typically treated with radiation and a chemotherapeutic drug known as temozolomide. Most patients usually respond well to the drug, however the cancer cells quickly develop resistance to it. 

PANK4, which is a type of protein, was identified to the researchers as the protein which has been blocking the cancer cells, therefore not allowing the drug to kill them. The researchers found that patients with high levels of PANK4 had lower survival rates. Additionally, they were able to remove the protein from cancer cells, causing the cell to die and as a result the patient responded better to the temozolomide. 

Therefore, the research group is now hoping to develop a drug to reverse the chemo-resistance. This could prove to be of massive benefit to the patients struggling with glioblastomas, and not only improve their quality of life, but also their life expectancy.