Targeted drugs, such as gefitinib, might be more effective against non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) when combined with agents that block certain microRNAs, according to new research published in Nature Medicine.
A study led by researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) has uncovered that the overexpression of 2 genes, MET and EGFR, causes the deregulation of 6 microRNAs. This deregulation leads to gefitinib resistance.
“Our findings suggest that gefitinib resistance that is caused by MET overexpression is at least partly due to miRNA deregulation,” says principal investigator Dr Carlo M. Croce, director of Ohio State’s Human Cancer Genetics program and a member of the OSUCCC – James Molecular Biology and Cancer Genetics program.
The findings support the development of agents that restore the levels of these microRNAs and offer a new strategy for treating NSCLC. Results also suggest that measuring the expression levels of microRNAs controlled by the MET gene might predict which patients with lung cancer are likely to become gefitinib resistant.
First author Michela Garofalo, a research scientist in Croce’s laboratory, remarks that individualization of treatment may be achieved by organizing NSCLC patients based on MET expression or the expression of miRNAs regulated by MET.
“Such a strategy could improve treatment efficacy and patient quality of life by sparing patients from the side effects of treatments that are likely to fail,” says Garofalo.
Source: The Ohio State University.