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A groundbreaking study has identified cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) as a potential target for cancer treatment, particularly for patients who develop resistance to common breast cancer therapies. The research, led by Dr. Agnieszka Witkiewicz and Dr. Erik Knudsen from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been published in Nature Communications.
The Role of CDK2 in Cancer Resistance
CDK2 plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle and has now been linked to therapeutic resistance in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Patients undergoing treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors, including abemaciclib (Verzenio), ribociclib (Kisqali), and palbociclib (Ibrance), sometimes experience disease progression due to the activation of CDK2. The study explores the potential of CDK2 inhibitors to overcome this challenge.
A New Hope: INX-315
Researchers at Roswell Park and the University of California Santa Cruz, in collaboration with Incyclix Bio Inc., examined the effectiveness of a CDK2 inhibitor called INX-315. The study found that certain tumors are highly dependent on CDK2 and can be effectively targeted with INX-315. Additionally, specific biomarkers were identified that may help predict which patients will respond best to CDK2-targeted therapies.
“We found that pharmacologically targeting a single kinase, CDK2, can trigger two distinct cellular responses depending on the tumor type,” explained Dr. Vishnu Kumarasamy, the study’s first author and a Research Assistant Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park.
Expanding Cancer Treatment Possibilities
The research also suggests that CDK2 inhibitors could have a broader impact, affecting not only breast cancer but also pancreatic cancer. Scientists discovered that combining CDK2 inhibitors with other treatments could enhance their effectiveness in limiting tumor growth.
Dr. Witkiewicz expressed optimism about the findings, stating, “We hope these findings with CDK2 inhibitors in preclinical models will be translated into new clinical trials to help breast cancer patients whose disease has progressed on CDK4/6 inhibitors—and provide new opportunities in multiple additional cancers.”
Potential for Combination Therapies
Officials at Incyclix Bio propose that combining INX-315 with CDK4/6 inhibitors could further improve treatment outcomes. Dr. Patrick Roberts, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Incyclix Bio, emphasized the importance of identifying the right patient groups for combination therapy. “By leveraging cell cycle biomarkers, we hope to be able to identify patients that will benefit most from combination treatments,” he stated.
The study validates the potential of INX-315 as a promising therapeutic strategy beyond CDK2-addicted cancers, opening doors for further research and clinical trials.
Disclaimer
This article is based on preclinical research findings. While the results are promising, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of CDK2 inhibitors in human patients. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before considering any new treatment options.
