Hypoxia is a common event in the microenvironment of solid tumors, triggering some changes in gene expression profiles to adapt to low-oxygen levels. Increasing evidence exists regarding hypoxia and mitochondrial dysfunction to play a role in the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and some other cancers involve dysregulation of the transcription factor E2F, and apoptosis can be induced in those cells by blocking the interaction of the RxL sequence motif in E2F with cyclin A, which leads to hyperactivation of E2F. Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and collaborators have developed macrocyclic peptides that inhibit this interaction and thereby hyperactivate E2F, leading to anticancer activity in various preclinical systems.
Despite having lower smoking habits than other groups in the U.S., Black Americans are more likely to develop lung cancer, and their survival rates are significantly worse. What explains this disparity? Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have analyzed the genetics of their African ancestry in search of risk genes related to the disease and tobacco use. The results reveal new risk factors and confirm the presence of genetic variants that may contribute to the greater impact of lung cancer in this population.
Genfleet Therapeutics Co. Ltd. has presented preclinical data on their KRAS G12C inhibitor fulzerasib, also known as GFH-925, the third approved KRAS G12C inhibitor for treating non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Investigators at St. John’s University have published preclinical data regarding their endothelin-1 receptor (ETRA) antagonist HJP-272 for the potential treatment of cancer.
Suzhou Zion Pharma Technology Co Ltd. has identified KRAS inhibitors, in particular GTPase KRAS G12D mutant and/or G13D mutant, reported to be useful for the treatment of cancer.
Experimental drugs that directly inhibit the NSD2 enzyme have shown potential as an effective strategy against hard-to-treat cancers, such as lung and pancreatic tumors driven by KRAS mutations. The therapeutic mechanism involves reversing a histone H3 methylation that promotes open chromatin and the expression of oncogenes.
Lung cancer, which often occurs as lung adenocarcinoma, is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. At least 70% of lung adenocarcinoma patients fail to show long-term benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors, highlighting the need to identify in advance those more likely to benefit.
Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH’s zongertinib enters the market as the first oral HER2-targeted therapy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, following an accelerated approval by the U.S. FDA. Branded Hernexeos, the drug is cleared for use in adults with unresectable disease or whose tumors have HER2 tyrosine kinase domain activating mutations and who have received prior systemic therapy.
