Nature Journal: NNMT Enzyme Inhibitor Successfully Halts Ovarian Cancer Progression
Researchers at the University of Chicago have proposed an innovative strategy for treating ovarian cancer. Instead of directly targeting cancerous cells, their method focuses on the fibroblasts surrounding the tumor. The details of this significant study have been published in the authoritative journal, Nature.
High-grade serous ovarian cancer is considered one of the most prevalent and deadliest forms of oncological diseases. It is often difficult to detect in its early stages, and after standard therapy, it frequently recurs, developing resistance to subsequent treatments. A key factor in the development of this resistance is the activity of specific stromal cells known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). These cells not only provide structural support to the tumor but also actively contribute to its evasion of the body`s immune system.
During their research, it was established that the enzyme NNMT plays a central role in this process. NNMT modulates the function of fibroblasts, prompting them to synthesize and secrete substances that transform immune cells into immune response suppressors. The research team developed a potent NNMT inhibitor and successfully tested it on animal models of ovarian cancer.
The results obtained were highly impressive: the new drug significantly reduced tumor burden and restored the normal activity of immune cells. Furthermore, when used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors (a modern immunotherapy approach), tumor growth was almost completely halted.
The scientists emphasize that this approach opens a fundamentally new direction in oncological therapy: targeted intervention on non-cancerous cells that support tumor growth and survival, which significantly enhances the effectiveness of existing traditional treatment methods.
It is also worth noting that researchers previously reported on the prospects of using herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) as a new therapeutic agent against cancer.
