The protein STAT5 has long been an appealing target against cancer, but after decades of research it was consigned to the “undruggable” category. Now, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center researchers have found success with a new approach. By tapping into a cellular garbage disposal function, researchers found they could eliminate STAT5 from cell cultures and mice, setting the stage for potential development as a cancer treatment.
New research finds fewer than one-third of hospitals had immediate availability of a crucial blood cancer medication called all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). ATRA is initiated early in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia to prevent major bleeding, clotting and potential death.
Leukemia stem cells are rare cells that can renew themselves while continuing to generate malignant cells known as leukemic blasts. These cells are difficult to eradicate using chemotherapy drugs and frequently lead to recurrence of leukemia.
The protein made by the ASH1L gene plays a key role in the development of acute leukemia, along with other diseases. A team from the University of Michigan has developed first-in-class small molecules to inhibit ASH1L’s SET domain.
MI-3454 resulted in complete remission in mouse models. Now, a Phase I clinical trial, using a structurally related analog of the compound, is currently enrolling patients.
STAT3 has been a major therapeutic target in the treatment of cancer. But it's largely been considered “undruggable” due to the difficulty of developing compounds to effectively inhibit its activity. Researchers at the U-M Rogel Cancer Center have a new approach to targeting STAT3.
MENU