Ovarian Cancer Treatment: A Lung Cancer Drug Offers Latest Hope
A recent study from Mayo Clinic researchers has revealed a surprising connection between lung cancer treatment and improved outcomes for ovarian cancer patients. The findings, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggest that a drug used to treat certain lung cancers, brigatinib, can enhance the effectiveness of PARP inhibitors – a cornerstone of ovarian cancer therapy.
The Challenge of PARP Inhibitor Resistance
PARP inhibitors have revolutionized ovarian cancer treatment, particularly for those with BRCA gene mutations or genomic instability. Though, the initial success often fades as cancer cells develop resistance. This resistance isn’t always a slow process; research indicates cancer cells can activate survival mechanisms very early in treatment. This new research focuses on understanding and potentially blocking this early resistance.
How Brigatinib Enhances PARP Inhibitor Effectiveness
The Mayo Clinic study identified FRA1, a transcription factor, as a key driver of the survival response in ovarian cancer cells exposed to PARP inhibitors. Researchers then tested brigatinib, an FDA-approved lung cancer drug, for its ability to counteract this response. Brigatinib works by inhibiting FAK and EPHA2, signaling molecules crucial for the survival of aggressive ovarian cancer cells. By shutting down these signals, brigatinib weakens the cancer cells’ ability to adapt and resist PARP inhibitor treatment.
Importantly, the combination of brigatinib and a PARP inhibitor proved more effective than either treatment alone, and this effect was observed specifically in cancer cells, minimizing potential harm to healthy cells.
Identifying Patients Most Likely to Benefit
The study also uncovered a potential biomarker to predict treatment response. Tumors with higher levels of FAK and EPHA2 signaling molecules demonstrated a greater response to the drug combination. This suggests that patients with ovarian cancers exhibiting high levels of these molecules – often associated with more aggressive disease – may benefit most from this approach.
The Future of Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Early Intervention
“Resistance remains one of the biggest challenges in treating ovarian cancer,” explains Dr. John Weroha, a medical oncologist at Mayo Clinic. This research supports a strategy of targeting resistance early, before it has a chance to establish itself, potentially improving patient outcomes.
PARP inhibitors, including olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib, are already established as maintenance therapies for ovarian cancer, as detailed in a review published in Target Oncology. This new research suggests that combining these therapies with drugs like brigatinib could significantly extend their effectiveness.
Beyond Brigatinib: Exploring TOP1 Inhibition
Mayo Clinic researchers are also investigating other avenues for improving ovarian cancer treatment. Project 1 within the Mayo Clinic Ovarian Cancer SPORE program is focused on assessing DNA topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) inhibitors as a potential treatment strategy.
Did you know? While PARP inhibitors have shown remarkable success, approximately half of patients with advanced ovarian cancer will develop resistance to these drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are PARP inhibitors? PARP inhibitors are targeted therapies that block a protein called PARP, preventing cancer cells from repairing their DNA and ultimately leading to cell death.
- How does brigatinib function in this context? Brigatinib inhibits FAK and EPHA2, signaling molecules that help ovarian cancer cells survive, making them more vulnerable to PARP inhibitors.
- Who might benefit most from this treatment combination? Patients with ovarian cancers that have high levels of FAK and EPHA2 signaling molecules may experience a greater response.
- Is brigatinib currently approved for ovarian cancer treatment? No, brigatinib is currently approved for the treatment of certain lung cancers, but this research suggests its potential for repurposing in ovarian cancer therapy.
Pro Tip: Discuss potential clinical trials with your oncologist to explore access to cutting-edge treatments like combination therapies involving brigatinib and PARP inhibitors.
Want to learn more about ovarian cancer research and treatment options? Visit the Mayo Clinic’s ovarian cancer resource page.
