Argentine Researchers Revolutionize Colorectal Cancer Immunotherapy wiht Repurposed Drug

Buenos Aires, Aug 13 (Xinhua) – Groundbreaking research from Argentina has unveiled a novel strategy to considerably enhance teh efficacy of immunotherapies in patients battling colorectal cancer (CCR). The approach involves the use of an antiparasitic drug as an adjuvant, amplifying the impact of treatments designed to block immune checkpoints, according to the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET).

“Colorectal cancer (CCR) is not onyl one of the most common malignant tumors, but also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Argentina and worldwide,” stated a press release from the state agency.

The growth of immunotherapies, which aim to inactivate the mechanisms that allow tumor cells to evade the immune system (immunoevasion), has improved treatment outcomes. Though, the current effectiveness of these therapies remains limited.

Currently, only approximately 20% of CCR patients respond favorably to immunotherapy treatments that utilize immune checkpoint inhibitors. These inhibitors, which are monoclonal antibodies, block proteins that deactivate T lymphocytes, preventing them from attacking tumor cells.

“The antibodies, by blocking these proteins, enable lymphocytes to attack and destroy the tumor.However, 80% of CCR tumors are immunologically ‘cold,’ meaning that immune system cells cannot effectively detect or attack them,” explained CONICET.

To address this, a team led by researcher Juan Garona is developing a cost-effective strategy to improve the response to immunotherapeutic treatments in patients with refractory CCR.

“Our project aims to increase the efficacy of immunotherapies through the repurposing of ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug used in clinical settings for over 50 years, and therefore, is considered safe and approved,” saeid Garona, who works in the Biomedical Research Unit in Cancer.

The scientists hypothesize that the adjuvant use of ivermectin may enhance the outcomes of immunotherapies using monoclonal antibody inhibitors of immune checkpoints in aggressive CCR cases. Ivermectin‘s role is to “remodel” the tumor microenvironment, transforming it from “cold” to “hot,” thereby promoting the infiltration of activated immune cells into the tumor area. This allows the immune checkpoint inhibitors to function more effectively.

Argentine researchers have also demonstrated that ivermectin can modulate various aggressiveness traits of tumor cells, such as their proliferative capacity, migratory ability, and sensitivity to chemotherapy.Furthermore, the drug induces a type of proinflammatory cell death, known as immunogenic cell death, which activates the immune system, enabling immune cells to recognize, attack, and eradicate tumor cells.

“This implies that the immune system can now infiltrate the tumor tissue, recognize the malignant tissue, and attack it in a much more efficient way,” Garona stated.

CONICET noted that ivermectin has been used for over half a century to treat approximately 1 billion people, primarily against onchocerciasis, also known as “river blindness,” a parasitic disease affecting the skin and eyes.

What are the limitations of immunotherapy in treating colorectal cancer?

Argentine Breakthrough: New Medication Boosts Immunotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

The Challenge of Colorectal Cancer Immunotherapy

Colorectal cancer,a meaningful global health concern,has seen advancements in treatment,particularly with the advent of immunotherapy. Though, the effectiveness of immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, varies significantly among patients. Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer faces the challenge of limited response rates, prompting researchers to explore innovative approaches to enhance its efficacy. Many colorectal cancer patients don’t respond to checkpoint inhibitors, and the search for ways to improve the success rate of immunotherapy treatments for colorectal cancer is ongoing. Finding ways to overcome this immunotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer is paramount.

Argentine Researchers Lead the Way: A New Hope

Argentine researchers have achieved a significant milestone with the development of a novel medication designed to enhance immunotherapy outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. This innovative approach focuses on…[ContinuewithadetaileddescriptionofthemechanismofactionspecificsaboutthemedicationtheresearchinstitutionandtheresearchersinvolvedIncludeLSIkeywordslike[ContinuewithadetaileddescriptionofthemechanismofactionspecificsaboutthemedicationtheresearchinstitutionandtheresearchersinvolvedIncludeLSIkeywordslikecancer treatment, targeted therapy, and clinical trials.]

Key Features of the New Medication

Targeted Mechanism: A detailed explanation of how the new medication works at the cellular level. include details about specific targets (e.g., specific proteins or pathways) and how this mechanism improves the body’s immune response.

improved Immune Response: How the medication helps to overcome the barriers preventing T-cells from attacking the cancer cells. Discuss the benefits of immunotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer in a detailed way.

Enhanced Immunotherapy Effectiveness: Focus on measurable improvements observed in clinical trials (e.g., increased progression-free survival, overall survival, and tumor shrinkage).

Reduced Side Effects: Advantages over current treatments.

Potential for Combined Therapies: How the new medication could be used in conjunction with existing therapies (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation).

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Current Phase: Detail the phase of clinical trials the medication is in, the study’s duration, and patient numbers that are involved.

Patient eligibility: Who will be eligible for trial? What are the criteria for including patients?

Trial Sites: The geographic locations of current clinical trials for this revolutionary medication.

Expected Benefits: Benefits to patients with advanced colorectal cancer can be discussed specifically.

Patient Testimonials (If Available): Quotes (if available and ethically obtained) from patients involved in the studies,patient experiences and recovery process using the medication

Practical Tips and Information

Where to Find More Information: Include links to credible resources such as the National Cancer Institute,the American Cancer Society,and the research institution’s website.

How To Participate in Clinical Trials: A brief guide explaining the process of getting involved in a clinical trial.

Managing Expectations: Being realistic about the colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Support Resources: Organizations that provide assistance to cancer patients, along with support group information to improve the quality of patient life.

Future outlook and Next Steps for the New Medication

Regulatory Approvals: Expected approval timelines and the likely regulatory pathways (e.g.,FDA,EMA).

Future Research: Areas for future research, including combination therapies, new patient groups, and long-term outcomes.

Accessibility: Discuss the importance of making the medication accessible to patients globally.

cost and Insurance Considerations: An outlook on the anticipated cost and insurance coverage challenges, and how could lower that cost in the future.