Radiotherapy has been a key method in the treatment of malignant diseases for decades, but its inability to distinguish healthy from cancerous cells often leads to damage of surrounding tissue and numerous side effects. Scientists from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have developed an innovative approach that combines a targeted drug with a radioactive antibody, directing radiation exclusively to cancer cells. This method not only increases the effectiveness of the therapy but also significantly reduces side effects.

Traditional Radiotherapy: Advantages and Limitations

Radiotherapy uses high-frequency rays to destroy tumor cells. Although it is effective in reducing or eliminating tumors, its non-selective nature often results in damage to healthy tissue. Side effects such as fatigue, loss of appetite, skin damage, and other complications can significantly affect patients' quality of life. In addition, there is a risk of developing secondary malignancies due to radiation exposure.

UCSF's Innovative Approach: Targeting the Mutated KRAS Protein

A team of scientists at UCSF focused their research on the mutated KRAS protein, which is present in many types of cancer, including lung, colon, and pancreatic cancer. Mutations in the KRAS gene have been identified in a significant percentage of cancers, making it an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. The new method uses a drug that specifically binds to the mutated KRAS, acting as a marker that allows the radioactive antibody to recognize and destroy only cancerous cells, leaving healthy tissue intact.

Preclinical Trials: Promising Results

In studies conducted on mice, the combination of a targeted drug and radioactive antibody showed remarkable effectiveness in eliminating bladder and lung tumors. The animals maintained normal body weight and activity levels, indicating minimal damage to healthy tissue. These results offer hope that similar outcomes could be achieved in humans, especially those with tumors carrying the KRAS gene mutation.

Overcoming Therapy Resistance: Double Hit to the Tumor

One of the biggest challenges in oncology is the development of resistance to therapy in tumors. Cancer cells often mutate, becoming resistant to drugs that were previously effective. However, the new method targets specific mutations in the KRAS gene, reducing the likelihood of resistance development. By destroying cancer cells before they adapt, this therapy provides a double hit to the tumor, increasing the chances for a lasting cure.

Personalized Treatment Approach: Tailoring Therapy to Patients

Since KRAS gene mutations vary among patients, scientists are working on developing antibodies that can recognize different forms of this protein. This personalized approach will enable the tailoring of therapy to the individual needs of patients, increasing its effectiveness and reducing the risk of side effects. By using advanced technologies, such as cryogenic electron microscopy, researchers can visualize interactions between the drug, antibody, and KRAS protein at the atomic level, facilitating the design of more effective therapies.

Broader Context and Future Implications: Towards Precision Medicine

This innovation comes at a time when precision medicine is gaining increasing attention in the world of oncology. Targeted therapies, which act on specific genetic mutations, are becoming the standard in the treatment of many types of cancer. For example, a new MR Linac technology has recently been introduced in Croatia, which combines magnetic resonance imaging and a linear accelerator to precisely direct radiation to the tumor, reducing damage to surrounding tissue. Such advances enable doctors to tailor treatment to each patient, improving the effectiveness of therapy and enhancing the quality of life for those affected.

In addition, understanding the role of KRAS gene mutations in cancer development has opened the door to new therapeutic approaches. Research has shown that KRAS mutations are present in a significant percentage of colorectal cancers, and their identification can aid in selecting the most appropriate therapy for patients. The development of drugs targeting specific mutations, such as KRAS G12C inhibitors, represents a significant step forward in treating tumors that were previously resistant to standard therapies.

Despite these promising results, further clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the new combination therapy in humans. If proven successful, this method could become the standard in treating tumors with KRAS gene mutations, offering patients a more effective and less invasive treatment option.

The combination of a targeted drug and radioactive antibody represents a revolutionary approach in oncology, allowing for precise destruction of cancer cells with minimal damage to healthy tissue. Such advances not only improve treatment outcomes but also significantly contribute to the quality of life for patients, reducing side effects and shortening recovery times. With further research and development, personalized therapies will become the foundation of modern oncology, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.

Source: University of California