Scientists at the University of Texas have conducted a study that has discovered a potentially effective method to combat an aggressive type of leukemia that can quickly spread throughout the human body. In an experimental therapy conducted by researchers, it was possible to suppress the development of cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
Cell Metabolism reports.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the hematopoietic system that is characterized by rapid spread. Most cases of AML are found in older people, making intensive treatments such as bone marrow transplants extremely difficult and risky.
The researchers noticed high levels of a cellular transporter known as SLC25A51 in AML patients. In healthy cells, this transporter carries nutrients to the mitochondria, providing energy to the cells. However, SLC25A51 levels were found to be elevated in cancer cells.
Scientists were able to suppress the development of cancer by reducing the level of this transporter. Thanks to this, cancer cells stopped receiving the necessary resources and began to die, which led to a slowdown in the progression of the disease. Interestingly, reducing SLC25A51 levels did not harm healthy bone marrow cells, making this treatment promising and safe.
The researchers also noted that combining lower levels of the transporter with 5-azacytidine, a type of chemotherapy used to treat AML, increased patient survival and reduced tumor size. This is because lower levels of SLC25A51 make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemical drugs.
Despite the promise of this treatment, there are currently no drugs that can reduce SLC25A51 levels. However, scientists hope to create a compound that can do this in a safe way, which will further improve the effectiveness of leukemia treatment and increase patient survival.
Earlier, “Cursor” wrote that factors influencing the development of cancer had been discovered.
