Researchers are tackling chemotherapy resistance in lung cancer patients with new treatments that may improve lung cancer survival.
Associate Professor Dan Gough It states that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)In particular, it is an incredibly deadly form of lung cancer with a mortality rate of approximately 95%.
Patients with SCLC usually respond to frontline platinum-based chemotherapy, but drug-resistant disease recurs in most cases.
Significant difference from lung cancer survival rate
“Therefore, we are left with few treatment options, and anything that can reduce chemoresistance or effectively treat recurrent disease will make a big difference to lung cancer survival.” he said.
“Our research Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research, have identified a new drug that is highly effective against recurrent lung cancer, bringing new hope to these patients. ”
“Our study developed a model of resistance and performed drug screens to identify new agents,” said Professor A/Goff.
Lung cancer survival doubles
“We were able to show that the novel compound fimepinostat is incredibly effective, actually doubling lung cancer survival.”
Fimepinostat has been used in clinical trials for other cancers, so the use in SCLC trials is obvious.
Initial discussions have been held with the manufacturer of fimepinostat regarding the design of a clinical trial of this drug in small cell lung cancer.
“There is an urgent and unmet need to identify new drugs that improve outcomes for these patients.”