Breakthrough bone cancer drug slows tumor growth and prolongs survival in early studies
For those suffering from primary bone cancer — which is a cancer that originates in the bones — a promising new drug could be on the horizon.
The drug, called CADD522, works by blocking the RUNX2 gene, which is critical to the process of bone formation in cancer patients.
In a recent study in mice, CADD522 significantly reduced tumor volume, increased survival, and reduced bone cancers—all without surgery.
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The study, published in the Journal of Bone Oncology, was led by the University of East Anglia. Norwich, Englandalong with researchers from the University of Sheffield, the University of Newcastle, the Royal Orthopedic Hospital Birmingham and the University Hospital of Norfolk and Norwich.
Lead investigator Dr. Darrell Green, a molecular biologist at the University of East Anglia, told Fox News Digital that there have been no new treatments for bone cancer in 45 years. “This new drug, if approved, will be the first new drug in decades,” he said in an email.
Osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer, primarily affects children and young adults. Of the promising new drug, the lead researcher told Fox News Digital: “The drug only attacks cancer cells and leaves the rest of the body alone.” (iStock)
Green said that in preclinical trials, CADD522 resulted in a 50% increase in survival for all major types of bone cancer — without chemotherapy or surgery.
He hopes that with the addition of other treatments, survival will improve.
“In addition, since this is a targeted drug, we have yet to observe side effects,” Greene added. “The drug only attacks cancer cells and leaves the rest of the body alone.”
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Greene was inspired to study childhood bone cancer after his best friend died of the disease as a teenager.
“I hope that my work and the development of this new drug will make him proud of me and forever preserve his legacy.”
“Ben’s biggest fear of dying is being forgotten,” Greene told Fox News Digital.
“I hope that my work and the development of this new drug will make him proud of me and forever preserve his legacy, ensuring that he will never be forgotten.”
More research needed, says oncologist
Dr. Suzanne Cooper, Board Certified Oncologist and Hematologist Arizona oncologyreviewed the study, but did not participate in it. She told Fox News Digital that the results from these preliminary tests are promising.
According to doctors, little progress has been made in the treatment of bone cancer over the past four decades. One told Fox News Digital: “New treatment approaches are needed to ensure the best patient outcomes.” (iStock)
“There are some cancers that have a limited response to conventional treatments, and this category includes subsets of primary bone cancer,” says Dr. Cooper announced this in an email.
“As a result of this, minimal progress has been made in their survival over the past 40 years. New Treatment Approaches necessary to ensure the best outcomes for patients.”
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While Cooper is encouraged that CADD522 leads to tumor reduction and improved survival in cell cultures and animal models, she pointed out that there is still much research to be done before this drug is used to treat bone cancer.
The new drug led to a 50% increase in survival for all major types of bone cancer.
“However, it shows how understanding tumors at the molecular level and designing drugs that specifically target the genes responsible for causing and growing cancer can lead to a better response with fewer side effects,” Cooper said.
“This method of drug development has changed the form of cancer treatment in recent years and is currently used in almost all types of cancer.”
Up to this point, bone cancer treatment has mainly included high-dose chemotherapy and surgery. (iStock)
Up to this point, bone cancer treatment has mainly included high-dose chemotherapy, which can have serious side effects, and surgery, which sometimes involves amputation of the affected limb.
Green hopes that if his team gets the funding they need, they can run clinical trials on patients within two to three years.
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Osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer, primarily affects children and young peopleMayo Clinic website says.
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The American Cancer Society estimates that about 3,970 new cases of bone cancer will be diagnosed in 2023.
About 2,140 people are expected to die from the disease this year.