London, England – Researchers in London have made a breakthrough in cancer treatment with the development of a new experimental drug called ceralasertib. This drug has shown promising results in stopping the growth of aggressive and incurable tumors in patients who had not responded to conventional treatment.
During a trial involving 67 patients, more than half saw their tumors stop growing after taking the twice-a-day tablet. The drug works by inhibiting the repair process of tumor cells, causing them to die. Some patients even experienced stability in their cancer for up to three years.
Experts are optimistic about the potential of combining ceralasertib with existing immune-boosting cancer treatments to enhance their effectiveness. Immunotherapy, which trains the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, is currently offered to a small percentage of cancer patients in the UK. However, cancer cells often evade such treatments by disguising themselves, leading researchers to develop drugs like ceralasertib to help the immune system recognize and attack them.
Dr. Magnus Dillon, a clinician scientist at The Institute of Cancer Research, explains that ceralasertib works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, triggering inflammation in the tumor. This inflammation alerts the immune system to launch an attack on the cancer cells, potentially leading to their destruction.
One patient, George Pieri, shared his experience with ceralasertib. Diagnosed with skin cancer that spread to his throat, George underwent various treatments with no success until he started taking the experimental drug. Since then, his cancer has remained stable, and he has experienced no side effects, giving him valuable time to spend with his family.
Looking ahead, researchers aim to explore the combination of ceralasertib with immunotherapy drugs to maximize the benefits for cancer patients. Dr. Dillon emphasizes that while it is still early in the process, the potential of this treatment approach is highly promising, offering hope for improved outcomes in the fight against cancer.