Research: Weakness Discovered in Deadliest Brain Cancer

In an international study, a significant finding was made regarding the defense shield of the deadly brain tumor glioblastoma, which shows high resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers at Ohio State University Cancer Center identified a biological target that weakens cancer cells by examining the mechanisms that allow the tumor to survive. In experiments conducted in laboratory and animal models, the 'SET' protein, which suppresses the enzyme 'PP2A' that controls the growth of cancer cells and their recovery after treatment, was studied. Researchers found that blocking this protein prevented tumor formation and left the remaining cancer cells extremely vulnerable to radiation therapy.

'CAN AMPLIFY THE EFFECT OF RADIOTHERAPY AND CHEMOTHERAPY'

Dr. Arnab Chakravarti, the author of the study and a radiation oncology specialist, stated, "Glioblastoma is one of the most difficult cancers to treat due to its ability to adapt and survive. Our findings show that reactivating the 'PP2A' enzyme breaks the resistance mechanism of cancer cells. This step can make existing radiotherapy and chemotherapy much more effective on patients."

Experts noted that the method is still in the preclinical stage and that safety and efficacy tests on humans will be conducted. The research team stated that developing new drug combinations targeting this could extend the survival times of glioblastoma patients.