Liver cancer is one of the most observed cancers that people are battling in the USA. Each year, America records thousands of primary liver cancers and deaths. Hepatocellular Carcinoma or HCC is the most common type of primary liver cancer among liver cancers. Fortunately, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is now coming up with a new Gene treatment to fight liver cancer!
The American Cancer Society estimates that by the end of 2023, there will be 41,210 new cases of liver cancer and about 29,380 deaths. It is quite obvious how challenging this issue is. New treatment could pave the way to save not just hundreds but thousands of lives!
According to the study, Gene therapy creates a microRNA-22 (miR-22) that is helpful in treating liver cancer. It is a molecule that is naturally taking place. The miR-22 stops the production of certain proteins that fuel the growth of liver cancer. The miR-22 seemed to reduce liver inflammation and produce better survival outcomes.
The study also shows that toxicity cannot be observed, unlike FDA-approved liver cancer treatments like lenvatinib. The study under UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, is published in the Molecular Therapy journal.
“This research introduces miR-22 gene therapy as a promising and innovative approach for treating hepatocellular carcinoma,” says the senior author of the study, Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan.
The study has yet to go through clinical trials. Mice underwent the initial research. The miR-22 into the mice with a single intravenous injection. Yu Wan compared the gene therapy with mice treated with the FDA-approved drug lenvatinib. The Mice who went through the gene therapy showed better results with no toxicity.
The University of California has also filed for a patent application for the incredible discovery. The patent is currently pending along with permission to do clinical trials. But this treatment is a new hope for many who are struggling with cancer.
Conclusion
Liver cancer is a battle for many people in the USA. The American Cancer Society says that thousands get diagnosed each year with liver cancer while thousands lose their lives. Fortunately, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is now coming up with a new Gene treatment to fight liver cancer! According to the study, Gene therapy creates a microRNA-22 (miR-22) that is helpful in treating liver cancer. The miR-22 seemed to reduce liver inflammation and produce better survival outcomes. The study has yet to go through clinical trials. But this treatment is a new hope for many who are struggling with cancer.
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