Application
Small molecule therapeutic specifically targeting invasive cancer cells for treatment of lung cancer.
Key Benefits
- Inhibits cancer cell invasion.
- Utilizes a novel mechanism of action.
Market Summary
One of the main barriers in developing new treatment strategies is the vast diversity between and within cancers. The cells within a tumor can vary from one another in many ways such as by cellular morphology, gene expression, metabolism, motility, proliferation, and metastatic potential. The ability of cancer cells to invade adjacent tissues and to stimulate neovascularization is critical to tumor growth and metastasis. Compounds that inhibit the metastasis of tumor and endothelial cells may serve as a potent therapeutic.
Technical Summary
Dr. Marcus and colleagues have identified a parent compound, alexidine dihydrochloride, and two analogs that are potent inhibitors of cancer cell invasion, specifically for lung cancer. Further work is being done to test the analogs in multiple cancer disease models for anti-metastatic activity. If successful, these compounds may serve as the first anti-metastatic agent that targets invasive cancer cells in non-small cell lung cancer.
Developmental Stage
In vitro data is available.
Publication: Konen, J. et. al. (2017). Nature Communications, 8.