Innovative Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Targets Newly Discovered Protein

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal cancers, with a five-year survival rate under 10%. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center have made significant strides by investigating the tumor microenvironment of PDAC, uncovering a key protein that contributes to the disease’s resistance to treatment. This discovery led to the development of a novel drug that targets this specific protein, resulting in reduced tumor growth and increased survival in animal models.

Their studies, published in the journal Cancers, identified a protein called Hsp70, which plays a crucial role in the immune system's suppression within the tumor microenvironment. Although Hsp70 is known for its role in maintaining cellular function, its involvement in tumor-induced immunosuppression was previously underappreciated. The team developed a targeted therapy, SapC-DOPG, which binds to phosphatidylserine on cancer cell surfaces and specifically inhibits Hsp70 within PDAC cells.

In preclinical trials, this drug was well tolerated in animals, leading to smaller tumors and longer survival times. The research team is now looking toward clinical translation, with hopes that SapC-DOPG could become an effective treatment option for pancreatic cancer patients. Given that similar drugs like SapC-DOPS are already in phase 2 trials for lung cancer, this approach shows promising potential.

Dr. Ahmet Kaynak, the lead researcher, emphasized the importance of understanding the tumor microenvironment's unique features, such as how it suppresses the immune response and makes the cancer resistant to common therapies. By targeting Hsp70, the team aims to overcome these barriers and improve treatment outcomes for one of the most challenging cancers.

The research highlights the importance of targeting specific proteins involved in tumor progression and immune evasion, marking a step forward in personalized cancer therapy. Future studies will focus on testing the safety and efficacy of SapC-DOPG in human trials, aiming to provide new hope for pancreatic cancer treatment.