The lung cancer it is one of the deadliest tumors in Spain. The small cell lung canceror small cell, is characterized by its rapid growth and aggressiveness. At the time of diagnosis, most patients have metastases and present with severe central nervous system symptoms. Researchers of the Cima and the Navarra University Clinic have discovered a new therapeutic strategy for the most aggressive lung cancer. The first results of clinical trials confirm that the inhibition of YES1 protein eliminates small cell tumor in animals. In addition, according to Esther Redín, a researcher at the Cima Solid Tumors Program, will soon begin trials on patients. “We conducted experiments Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of YES1 in animal models and we obtained total regressions of the tumors. Next, we carried out a study on patient samples and verified that YES1 also participates in the poor prognosis of the disease”, says the researcher. The researchers confirm that this type of protein has been implicated in the development of cancer, but its development in small cell tumors had not been studied. “In this work we have confirmed that there is a subgroup of patients with small cell lung cancer who present genetic alterations characterized by an increase in YES1which causes tumor growth and metastasis in these cases”, says Esther Redín.
“The next step in our research will be to use YES1 inhibitors in patients with small cell lung cancer,” the researchers explain.
Hopeful path for lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer is one of the most aggressive diseases, since it evolves and expands very quickly, causing a high metastatic potential. That’s why this new therapeutic advance It is essential for the cure and treatment of this type of disease. “The next step in our research will be to use inhibitors of YES1 in a patient with small cell lung cancer, to determine if the efficacy observed is similar to that obtained in animal models”, point out the researchers of the work. This new study has received public and private funding, and has been carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Navarre Health Research (IdISNA), the CIBERONC Cancer Centerthe Carlos III Health Institutethe Alberto Palatchi Foundation and the Arnall Planelles Foundation.
