Under the direction of Dr. Debanjan Bhattacharya, a group of researchers from the University of Cincinnati has found a potentially novel way to enhance radiation treatment for patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). About 40% of patients with lung cancer develop brain metastases, which dramatically lowers their odds of survival. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Due to their palliative and toxic character, current treatments include whole-brain irradiation, stereotactic brain radiosurgery, and surgical excision frequently have limits.
Bhattacharya and his associates concentrated on a synthetic medication known as AM-101, which is related to benzodiazepines and has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier to target brain cancer cells. In this study, it was shown that AM-101 activated GABA(A) receptors in metastatic brain cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells, causing autophagy—a process by which cells break down and recycle undesirable components. The lung cancer cells become more vulnerable to radiation therapy as a result of their improved “self-eating” process.
The researchers discovered that combining radiation with AM-101 enhanced the radiation treatment’s efficacy and markedly raised survival rates in animal models. Furthermore, AM-101 inhibited the growth of brain metastases as well as primary NSCLC cells. This finding implies that including AM-101 into radiation treatment may enable lower radiation dosages, hence lowering patient toxicity and adverse effects.
In order to evaluate AM-101 in combination with radiation therapy for lung cancer in the brain and lungs, the research team is currently working toward starting Phase 1 clinical studies. Working with prior UC researchers, Dr. Bhattacharya began this research project, and he attributes the study’s advancement to their mentorship, cooperation, and sharing of university resources.
Dr. Bhattacharya is driven to finish the project by his dedication to his late father, who passed away in 2021 while the research was still in its early phases. The results of the study provide patients with lung cancer brain metastases hope for a less hazardous and more successful course of treatment, possibly enhancing their quality of life and prognosis.
SOURCE :
ANI
