Researchers Develop Antisense Oligonucleotide Ointment for Skin Cancer Treatment
Overview of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer, representing one-third of all cancer cases globally. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancers by disrupting the process of cell apoptosis. This regulated cell death is essential for eliminating aging cells before they can become damaged, thereby facilitating a healthy turnover of new cells. When apoptosis is impaired, non-functioning cells may begin to divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer
Among skin cancers, melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma are particularly lethal. Melanoma accounts for 75% of skin cancer-related deaths, despite constituting only 5-10% of diagnosed cases. Its rapid progression can lead to metastasis, wherein cancer cells spread to other parts of the body. One of the most challenging aspects of treating skin cancer is the difficulty in accurately detecting the sites of metastasis.
Potential of Antisense Oligonucleotides
Researchers are exploring the potential of a medicated ointment composed of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) as a topical treatment for skin cancer. The irregularity of cell apoptosis is a primary factor in the development of cancers. Although several chemotherapy agents can induce apoptosis, they often fail to work on cancers that overexpress the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic protein, which inhibits cell death. Consequently, melanoma patients may develop drug resistance, allowing their cancer to persist despite treatment.
Research Focus and Mechanism
A team of researchers has concentrated on developing a pharmaceutical agent capable of overcoming the drug resistance faced by melanoma patients, specifically through the use of ASOs. These single-stranded molecules resemble DNA or RNA and can be employed to halt the production of harmful proteins, including anti-apoptotic proteins and those responsible for drug resistance. ASOs function by blocking ribosomes, the cellular components that translate genes into proteins, thereby preventing the synthesis of these detrimental proteins.
Future Implications for Skin Cancer Treatment
The researchers suggest that delivering ASOs in a highly concentrated ointment could be the most effective approach to preventing secondary tumors after surgery. With advancements in gene mapping, the development of more effective treatments, such as ASOs, is now feasible. This progress holds promise for the medical community to reduce the incidence of skin cancer or potentially eliminate it altogether.
References
Laikova, V, K. Et al. (April 17, 2019). Advances in the Understanding of Skin Cancer: Ultraviolet Radiation, Mutations, and Antisense Oligonucleotides as Anticancer Drugs. Molecules.
Written by Nikki Khoshnood, BHSc Candidate.
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