Nodular melanoma. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have announced a new discovery in the fight against melanoma. The study, published in the journal Molecular Cancer, reveals a new mechanism behind drug resistance in melanoma and proposes potential strategies to overcome it.
Led by Dr. Tackhoon Kim, the research team identified that melanomas resistant to BRAF inhibitors, a common targeted therapy, show increased polyamine biosynthesis. This increase is a result ofthe activation of the oncogene c-Myc, ultimately leading to enhanced mitochondrial activity and drug resistance.
“We have identified the key mechanism behind drug resistance in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,” stated Dr. Kim in a press release. The study found that the AMD1 gene, crucial for polyamine biosynthesis, plays a pivotal role in developing drug resistance.
The researchers discovered that polyamine levels are generally higher in BRAF inhibitor-resistant cancer cells. Importantly, they confirmed that inhibiting polyamine biosynthesis can reduce resistance to BRAF inhibitors, leading to melanoma cell death.
Dr. Kim explained the process: “The increase in polyamines enhances mitochondrial protein levels, boosting mitochondrial activity and contributing to the proliferation of cancer cells resistant to treatment.”
This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for developing anticancer therapies. The team suggests that targeting polyamine metabolism could be an effective strategy to combat drug-resistant melanoma.
The implications of this research extend beyond melanoma. As Dr. Kim noted, “We plan to verify the anticancer effects of polyamine metabolism regulation in other cancers frequently associated with BRAF mutations, such as colorectal and thyroid cancers, as part of our drug development efforts.”
With the BRAF inhibitor market projected to reach $1 billion by 2028, this research not only advances our understanding of cancer biology but also presents significant opportunities for the development of new, more effective treatments.
As melanoma cases continue to rise globally, with projections suggesting around 100,000 annual deaths by 2040, this research provides hope for more effective treatments in the future. By unraveling the complexities of drug resistance, scientists are paving the way for new therapeutic strategies that could significantly improve outcomes for patients with this aggressive form of cancer.
Filed Under: Oncology
