Posted on 10/21/2024 8:43:45 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Researchers found an FDA-approved drug used to treat breast cancer has the potential to be an effective therapeutic for a specific type of appendix cancer.
The clinical trial results show the oral medication, known as palbociclib, stabilized tumor growth and reduced blood tumor marker levels in patients with peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMC). This form of cancer originates in the appendix and is often resistant to standard chemotherapy.
"Finding that a breast cancer drug is successful in treating a subset of appendix cancer—where treatment options are currently limited—marks a significant advancement in our fight against this disease," said Andrew Lowy, MD.
"This breakthrough introduces the first targeted therapy for this rare cancer."
Appendix cancer is extremely uncommon, accounting for less than 1% of all gastrointestinal cancers, with the American Cancer Society estimating fewer than 2,000 cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
The study cohort involved 16 participants diagnosed with PMC, most of whom had previously received other treatments without success. Researchers analyzed the genetic mutations present within these cancers and found that tumors with mutations in one specific gene, GNAS, responded well to the drug. In these patients, blood markers associated with cancer activity were reduced in more than 80% of patients.
Laboratory results also showed that the drug slowed or stopped the multiplication of cancer cells, offering a well-tolerated alternative to chemotherapy, which is often associated with severe side effects.
"This medication can be implemented immediately without the need to wait for a new drug to be developed or for FDA approval," said Shumei Kato, MD.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Unfortunately, doctors across the country are not likely aware of these new opportunities, so offer them the study write ups.
Neighbors wife just passed on from appendix cancer after a very short illness. I did not know it existed.
I would bet it has a bacterial origin in most cases.
So maybe the ivermectin that helps breast cancer also would work for appendix ...?
My daughter’s friend just died from this cancer. It is truly horrible.
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