Scientists Discover Cancer Treatment 2.5x More Effective When Tumors Have Defective Mitochondria
Scientists from the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in the U.S. have uncovered a groundbreaking discovery with the potential to significantly enhance cancer treatment outcomes. By “rewiring” the DNA of mitochondria — the energy factories present in every cell — they identified a direct link between mitochondrial DNA mutations and the response to immunotherapy, a form of treatment that leverages the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
The researchers found that manipulating specific parts of mitochondrial DNA could determine how effectively cancer responds to immunotherapy. This opens up new avenues for identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy by testing for mitochondrial DNA mutations. Given that half of all cancers exhibit mitochondrial DNA mutations, this revelation suggests a novel approach to improving cancer treatment.
The study, titled “Mitochondrial DNA mutations drive aerobic glycolysis to enhance checkpoint blockade in melanoma,” published in Nature Cancer, demonstrates that tumors with higher levels of mitochondrial DNA mutations are up to two and a half times more likely to respond to the immunotherapy drug nivolumab. Nivolumab functions by releasing a “brake” on the immune system, allowing it to target and destroy cancer cells. Currently used to treat various cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, liver cancer, and bowel cancer, this drug could potentially be more effectively prescribed based on a patient’s mitochondrial DNA profile.
The researchers envision routine testing for mitochondrial DNA mutations, enabling doctors to tailor immunotherapy to individual patients before initiating treatment. Moreover, they speculate that mimicking the effects of these mutations could render previously treatment-resistant cancers susceptible to immunotherapy, expanding the reach of this innovative treatment to a broader spectrum of cancer patients.
Cancer Research Horizons, the innovation arm of Cancer Research UK, has filed patents for the technology behind this discovery. This step aims to facilitate the development of new treatments that disrupt the energy sources supporting cancer growth and spread. With a track record of bringing 11 new cancer drugs to market, Cancer Research Horizons continues its commitment to advancing groundbreaking research into practical clinical applications.
Dr. Payam Gammage, Group Leader at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute and co-lead author of the study, emphasizes the significance of this research, stating that the newfound understanding provides a powerful tool for a fresh approach to halting cancer progression. Dr. Ed Reznik, Assistant Attending Computational Oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and co-lead author, highlights the unexpected impact on surrounding cells, offering a means to make tumors more vulnerable to treatment.
Dr. Iain Foulkes, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Cancer Research UK and CEO of Cancer Research Horizons, underscores the discovery’s potential, referring to mitochondrial DNA mutations as a critical weak point in cancer. The next step involves clinical trials to determine the most effective treatment combinations for patients, with a commitment to accelerating this discovery into practical clinical applications through Cancer Research Horizons.
Source: Cancer Research UK. “Scientists discover cancer treatment two-and-a-half times more effective when tumours have defective mitochondria”. https://medicalxpress-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/medicalxpress.com/news/2024-01-scientists-cancer-treatment-effective-tumors.amp; 01/2/2024. [Date of access: 29/1/2024]
