Can a New Drug Overcome Resistance in Deadly Childhood Cancer?
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Synopsis
A groundbreaking discovery by Australian researchers reveals a new drug combination that could revolutionize treatment for relapsed neuroblastoma, a deadly cancer in children. This advancement offers hope for many families affected by this tragic disease.
Key Takeaways
- New drug identified to combat neuroblastoma resistance.
- Romidepsin triggers cell death through alternative pathways.
- Potential to enhance survival rates in young patients.
- Combination therapy reduces tumor growth effectively.
- Further testing needed for clinical applications.
New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) Researchers in Australia have discovered a drug capable of addressing treatment resistance in relapsed neuroblastoma, a lethal childhood cancer. This breakthrough could significantly enhance treatment for neuroblastoma, the most prevalent solid tumor in children outside the brain, which currently leads to a 90% mortality rate among young patients facing recurrence, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Australia states that this drug combination can circumvent the cellular defenses that tumors develop, which often result in relapse.
The team demonstrated that the approved lymphoma medication, romidepsin, induces neuroblastoma cell death through alternative mechanisms, effectively bypassing blocked pathways and enhancing outcomes in chemotherapy-resistant cases among children.
Standard chemotherapy treatments typically depend on the JNK pathway for cell death; however, in relapsed tumors, this pathway frequently becomes inactive, rendering these therapies ineffective.
Findings derived from animal models indicated that the combination of romidepsin and standard chemotherapy not only halts tumor growth via alternative cell-death mechanisms but also circumvents the obstructed JNK pathway prevalent in resistant cases.
This combination therapy resulted in reduced tumor growth, prolonged survival, and the potential to use lower doses of chemotherapy, thereby minimizing side effects for young patients, as detailed in the publication in Science Advances.
“Overcoming the resistant state of relapsed high-risk neuroblastomas has been a significant objective for my lab,” stated David Croucher, Associate Professor at the Garvan Institute. “These tumors exhibit high resistance to chemotherapy, and the statistics for families once patients reach this stage are heartbreaking,” he added.
Romidepsin has already received approval for other cancers and has been assessed for safety in children, which may expedite its development as a new treatment possibility for neuroblastoma.
Nevertheless, any clinical application necessitates further testing and trials to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this combination in neuroblastoma, according to Croucher.
Point of View
I believe this discovery marks a pivotal moment in our fight against childhood cancer. The innovative approach taken by Australian researchers showcases the blend of scientific inquiry and compassion necessary to combat this devastating disease. Our focus must remain on supporting further research and clinical trials to ensure that these promising findings translate into effective treatments for affected children.
NationPress
29/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and primarily affects children, often presenting as a solid tumor in the abdomen.
What makes this new drug significant?
The new drug, romidepsin, is significant because it can overcome the resistance that many neuroblastoma tumors develop, improving treatment outcomes for affected children.
How does romidepsin work?
Romidepsin works by triggering neuroblastoma cell death through alternative pathways, effectively bypassing the blocked JNK pathway that standard chemotherapy relies on.
What are the next steps for this research?
The next steps include conducting further testing and clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the drug combination in treating neuroblastoma.
What is the current prognosis for relapsed neuroblastoma patients?
Currently, the prognosis for patients with relapsed neuroblastoma is quite grim, with a high mortality rate, making this research particularly critical.
