Tumor-targeting drug shows potential for treating bone cancer

HOUSTON, July 12 (Xinhua) -- A study led by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has discovered a drug that could treat a rare type of bone cancer.

According to a news release published on Wednesday by the center, results from the preclinical study, which looked at a drug known as bone metastasis-targeting peptidomimetic (BMTP-11) alone and in combination with the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine, were published in the July 11 online issue of Proceedings by the National Academy of Sciences.

Although osteosarcoma is a relatively rare cancer, it is a leading disease-related cause of death in children and young adults aged 10 to 20. However, over the last 25 years, the five-year survival rate has remained unchanged, and the treatment options for these patients are few.

In addition, the side effects of available treatment options often are significant and cumulative, and may cause other health problems and damage to major organs.

Valerae O. Lewis, M.D., chair of Orthopaedic Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, said this study lays the groundwork for a clinical trial for the treatment of osteosarcoma without the cumulative and mortal side effects seen with the current treatment options.

The research team includes co-authors Renata Pasqualini, Ph.D., and Wadih Arap, M.D., Ph.D., both of whom worked on the study while at MD Anderson and are now professors at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNMSC) School of Medicine.

The study was funded by the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Gillson Longenbaugh Foundation and the Marcus Foundation.