Targeting the “un-targetable”
Targeting the protein RSK blocked aggressive breast cancers from metastasizing in an animal model.
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are so named because they lack common genetic “target” mutations that can be easily treated with specific cancer drugs. However Deborah Lannigan , Ph.D., and colleagues investigated a new target involved in TNBC called RSK.
They demonstrated that RSK can help cancers spread throughout the body (metastasize) more quickly. By blocking the RSK protein with a novel drug, the researchers were able to prevent cancers from metastasizing.
Currently, there are other treatments available to prevent metastasis known as MEK inhibitors, but these drugs activate the protein AKT, which can limit their effects. This new drug works through a different mechanism and does not activate AKT, making it a powerful new tool in the fight against metastatic breast cancer.
In the future, the researchers hope to prove that the new drug is even more effective than standard therapies at halting cancer’s progress.
Original publication
Katarzyna A. Ludwik, J. Preston Campbell, Mingzong Li, Yu Li, Zachary M. Sandusky, Lejla Pasic, Miranda E. Sowder, David R. Brenin, Jennifer A. Pietenpol, George A. O'Doherty and Deborah A. Lannigan; "Development of a RSK Inhibitor as a Novel Therapy for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer"; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; 2016
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