MSGID: 1:317/3 6279eaa3   
   PID: hpt/lnx 1.9.0-cur 2019-01-08   
   TID: hpt/lnx 1.9.0-cur 2019-01-08   
    Novel approach could lead to treatment of devastating brain tumors   
      
      
     Date:   
         May 9, 2022   
     Source:   
         University of Surrey   
     Summary:   
         Findings from a seven-year research project suggests that there   
         could be a new approach to treating one of the most common and   
         devasting forms of brain cancer in adults -- Glioblastoma Multiforme   
         (GBM).   
      
      
      
   FULL STORY   
   ==========================================================================   
   Findings from a seven-year research project suggests that there could   
   be a new approach to treating one of the most common and devasting forms   
   of brain cancer in adults -- Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).   
      
      
   ==========================================================================   
   In a peer-reviewed study published by BMC Cancer,scientists from the   
   University of Surrey show that a short chain of amino acids (the HTL-001   
   peptide) is effective at targeting and inhibiting the function of a   
   family of genes responsible for the growth of GBM -- Hox genes. The   
   study was conducted in cell and animal models.   
      
   The HTL-001 peptide used in the study has undergone safety testing and   
   is suitable for patient trials. These trials are now being considered   
   in GBM and other cancers.   
      
   Hardev Pandha, project lead and Professor of Medical Oncology at   
   the University of Surrey, said: "People who suffer from Glioblastoma   
   Multiforme have a five per cent survival rate over a five-year period --   
   a figure that has not improved in decades.   
      
   While we are still early in the process, our seven-year project offers   
   a glimmer of hope for finding a solution to Hox gene dysregulation,   
   which is associated with the growth of GBM and other cancers, and which   
   has proven to be elusive as a target for so many years."  Ironically,   
   Hox genes are responsible for the healthy growth of brain tissue but   
   are ordinarily silenced at birth after vigorous activity in the growing   
   embryo. However, if they are inappropriately 'switched on' again, their   
   activity can lead to the progression of cancer. Hox gene dysregulation   
   has long been recognised in GBM.   
      
   The project was carried out in collaboration with the universities of   
   Surrey, Leeds and Texas, and HOX Therapeutics, a University of Surrey   
   start-up company based on the University's Surrey Research Park.   
      
   Professor Susan Short, co-author of the study from the University   
   of Leeds, said: "We desperately need new treatment avenues for these   
   aggressive brain tumours.   
      
   Targeting developmental genes like the HOX genes that are abnormally   
   switched on in the tumour cells could be a novel and effective   
   way to stop glioblastomas growing and becoming life-threatening."   
   James Culverwell, CEO of HOX Therapeutics, said: "HOX Therapeutics   
   is excited to be associated with this project and we hope that with   
   our continuing support, this research will eventually lead to novel and   
   effective treatments for both brain and other cancers where HOX gene over-   
   expression is a clear therapeutic target."   
      
   ==========================================================================   
   Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Surrey. Note: Content   
   may be edited for style and length.   
      
      
   ==========================================================================   
   Journal Reference:   
      1. Einthavy Arunachalam, William Rogers, Guy R. Simpson, Carla Mo"ller-   
         Levet, Gemma Bolton, Mohammed Ismael, Christopher Smith, Karl   
         Keegen, Izhar Bagwan, Tim Brend, Susan C. Short, Bangxing Hong,   
         Yoshihiro Otani, Balveen Kaur, Nicola Annels, Richard Morgan,   
         Hardev Pandha. HOX and PBX gene dysregulation as a therapeutic   
         target in glioblastoma multiforme.   
      
         BMC Cancer, 2022; 22 (1) DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09466-8   
   ==========================================================================   
      
   Link to news story:   
   https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220509100942.htm   
      
   --- up 10 weeks, 10 hours, 50 minutes   
    * Origin: -=> Castle Rock BBS <=- Now Husky HPT Powered! (1:317/3)   
   SEEN-BY: 15/0 106/201 114/705 123/120 129/330 331 153/7715 218/700   
   SEEN-BY: 229/110 111 112 317 400 426 428 470 664 700 292/854 298/25   
   SEEN-BY: 305/3 317/3 320/219 396/45   
   PATH: 317/3 229/426