Cancers: Many oppose molecularly targeted therapies

A study conducted by some researchers, all made in Italy, examined the resistance Bee therapies until molecular target through mathematical models and laboratory experiments. IFOM, Universities of Turin and Milan and Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO IRCCS have joined the study.

This research has the cell subpopulations of the tumors with exceptional attention to detail. Thus, it emerged that one of the most effective and promising therapies for tumors is those with a molecular target. Basically, they drive the drug to the cancer cells and bring a specific target to the surface. These therapies also have the advantage of being more accurate and less toxic than traditional therapies.

The only flaw is that molecularly targeted therapies are limited by: resistors by tumors that can subsequently cause metastases. Here, in fact, is the main cause of relapse in cancer patients. The research tries to prevent resistance and the development of metastases.

We have observed that molecularly targeted therapies cause tumor cells to enter a state of lethargy, allowing them to temporarily tolerate the treatment. These cells, called “persistent” cells, which are therapy tolerant, may have time to acquire genetic mutations that allow them to replicate in the presence of the drug, causing a recurrence of the disease. Our studies have enabled us to understand that the therapy significantly increases the ability of persistent cells to mutate: not only do persistent cancer cells have time to develop mutations in their favor, but the therapy accelerates this process.

Mariangela Russo, University of Turin and Candiolo Cancer Institute

Using the tools of theoretical physics, we were able to translate the experiments performed in the lab into a mathematical language. These tools made it possible to more accurately interpret and predict the behavior of cancer cells during treatments.

Simone Pompei, IFOM