The Biggest Challenge in Medicine with Dr. Linda Malkas | Startalk Radio

Intro

In this episode of Startalk Radio, host Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Dr. Linda Malkas, an expert in molecular diagnostics and experimental therapeutics, about the biggest challenge in medicine – cancer treatment. Dr. Malkas discusses the complexity of cancer, its ability to evolve, and the promising research being done to develop more effective and targeted therapies.

Main Takeaways

Cancer Complexity and Evolution

• Cancer is a formidable adversary in medical treatment, constantly evolving and using the body’s processes against itself.
• Cancer cells need to constantly change themselves to avoid the immune system’s surveillance, similar to the behavior of viruses.
• Understanding the DNA repair systems and processes involved in cancer cell formation can help in developing targeted treatments.

Targeting Altered Proteins in Cancer Cells

• The altered form of the protein PCNA was found to be different in cancer cells and correlated with the dysfunctional replication process in cancer cells.
• Developing a drug to target the altered PCNA in cancer cells could effectively kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
• The discovery of a drug that targeted a non-enzyme led to the development of an effective cancer treatment.

Promising Research and Clinical Trials

• The screening of 6.5 million molecules identified 53 compounds that killed cancer cells and left normal cells unaffected.
• AOH 1996, a unique molecule, is currently in clinical trials and showing promise with no toxicity in mice and dogs.
• Precision medicine and designer medicine are emerging as breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Combination Therapies and Resistance

• Combination therapy may be more effective for cancer resistance than single pathway therapy.
• Chemotherapeutics target proliferating cells, leading to severe side effects, but combination therapies can reduce the amount of toxic drugs needed.
• AOH 1996 has shown promise in not developing resistance in cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Summary

Understanding the Complexity of Cancer

Cancer is a significant challenge in medical science due to its complexity and ability to evolve. Cancer cells constantly change themselves to avoid the immune system’s surveillance, making them difficult to target. However, understanding the DNA repair systems and processes involved in cancer cell formation can help in developing more effective treatments.

Targeting Altered Proteins in Cancer Cells

The altered form of the protein PCNA has been found to be different in cancer cells and is correlated with the dysfunctional replication process. Developing a drug to target this altered PCNA could effectively kill cancer cells without affecting normal cells. This discovery has led to the development of an effective cancer treatment.

Promising Research and Clinical Trials

Through the screening of millions of molecules, researchers have identified compounds that selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal cells unaffected. AOH 1996, a unique molecule, is currently in clinical trials and showing promise with no toxicity in animal studies. Precision medicine and designer medicine are also emerging as breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Combination Therapies and Resistance

Combination therapy, which involves using multiple therapies simultaneously, may be more effective for treating cancer resistance than single pathway therapy. Chemotherapeutics, while effective, can lead to severe side effects. However, combination therapies can reduce the amount of toxic drugs needed for effective tumor inhibition. AOH 1996 has shown promise in not developing resistance in cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a breakthrough in cancer treatment.

Conclusion

The biggest challenge in medicine – cancer treatment – is being tackled through innovative research and targeted therapies. Understanding the complexity of cancer, targeting altered proteins, and exploring combination therapies are promising avenues for more effective treatments. With ongoing clinical trials and advancements in precision medicine, personalized and tailored therapies offer hope for better outcomes in cancer treatment.