Scientists Identify Gene Behind Pediatric Bone Cancer

Scientists at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina have found that the OTUD7A gene impacts Ewing sarcoma development. Ewing sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops primarily in children and affects bones or tissues surrounding the bones. Figures show that roughly 250 young adults and children are diagnosed with this rare cancer annually in the United States. Of this number, about one-half eventually succumb to the illness, which points to the need for better treatments.

The researchers, who collaborated with Atomwise Inc. on this study, published their findings in the “Advanced Science” journal.

Pengda Liu, co-lead of the study and an assistant professor of biophysics and biochemistry at the UNC School of Medicine, stated that the primary focus was on the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein, which could be found in roughly 85% of patients with Ewing Sarcoma. This protein, Liu explained, was produced in cancer cells, which made it a good treatment target.

The researchers also found that the OTUD7A gene controlled the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein.

For its study, the group looked for small molecule compounds that could block OTUD7A’s protein activity. They used the AtomNet AI-program to screen 4 million molecules, which led to the discovery that the 7Ai compound could reduce tumor formation, as observed in mice grafted with Ewing sarcoma cells from humans.

This compound, which did not appear to kill normal cells, was also found to be well-tolerated and nontoxic. Liu explained that using the 7Ai compound for treatment could offer a new targeted therapy option for patients who found no benefit in chemotherapy, noting that the development of an effective drug would require more lab work and clinical studies.

Ian Davis, the associate division chief of pediatric hematology-oncology and the study’s co-author, added that one could find potential therapeutic avenues when exploring cellular processes that led to cancer. Currently, the scientists are working with the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina to improve the specificity and potency of the 7Ai compound.

Davis, who is also the coleader of the institution’s Cancer Genetics Program and a G. Denman Hammond Professor of Childhood Cancer, noted that he was indebted to a student in the institution who suffered from metastatic Ewing sarcoma and had donated tissue to be used in their research. He added that they also appreciated the funding for their research, which was provided by an NIH grant.

This fight against pediatric cancers is also seeing the involvement of additional companies, such as QSAM Biosciences Inc. (OTCQB: QSAM). These efforts could yield superior remedies in comparison to current ones, which aren’t very effective and come with several serious side effects.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to QSAM Biosciences Inc. (OTCQB: QSAM) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/QSAM

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