Tumor Profiler Center scientists describe strategy to target persister cancer cells

Therapeutic resistance in cancer treatment can be divided into primary resistance (lack of response to initial therapy due to preexisting genetic mutations) and acquired resistance (relapse despite initial response, caused by intratumor heterogeneity and other factors). While genetic alterations are known to contribute to acquired resistance, recent evidence suggests the involvement of non-genetic adaptive mechanisms.

TPC scientists now show that metabolic reprogramming sensitizes resistant cancer cells to ROS-induction in combination with pathway inhibitors. Predictive biomarkers of metabolic sensitivity to ROS-inducing agents were identified in many cancer entities, highlighting the importance of this finding as a potential cancer treatment option.

Read more: ROS Induction Targets Persister Cancer Cells with Low Metabolic Activity in NRAS-Mutated Melanoma