A promising new approach to treating pancreatic cancer involves targeting two critical molecules simultaneously: PIKfyve and KRAS-MAPK. Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that inhibiting PIKfyve, an enzyme essential for cellular recycling, disrupts cancer cells’ ability to process fats. This disruption forces the cells to rely on alternative pathways controlled by the KRAS-MAPK signaling pathway, which is often mutated in pancreatic cancer. By targeting both PIKfyve and KRAS-MAPK, the researchers observed complete elimination of tumors in advanced preclinical models. This dual-target strategy not only halts tumor growth but also prevents the development of drug resistance, a common challenge in treating pancreatic cancer.
The combination therapy employs two drugs: apilimod, which blocks PIKfyve, and ESK981, which inhibits KRAS-MAPK signaling. In genetically modified mice, treatment with these drugs for 10 weeks resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth compared to untreated controls. This approach offers a novel avenue for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most common and aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. While these findings are based on laboratory and animal studies, they pave the way for potential clinical applications. Researchers are now exploring how to integrate immune Click for More Details
