Scientists make pancreatic cancer susceptible to failed drug [View all]

[HuckleB]

Although cancer cells adjust to TRAIL making the drug far less effective, pairing it with another agent allowed it to kill tumor cells.
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2016/04/18/Scientists-make-pancreatic-cancer-susceptible-to-failed-drug/3671460989369/

"Researchers in Philadelphia found a method to eliminate the resistance of pancreas cancer to some failed drugs, according to a recent study.

By blocking the protein Hu antigen R, or HuR, the researchers helped a naturally-occurring substance, previously thought to be ineffective, target and kill cancer cells, according to a study published in the journal Molecular Cancer Research,

The compound, tumor necrosis factor-rlated apoptosis inducing ligand, or TRAIL, was thought to activate a "death receptor" on the surface of cancer cells -- and did so in tests with animals. But in tests with humans it did not have a long-lasting effect because as cells were exposed to it, they expressed higher levels of HuR and survived.

In the new study, researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found blocking HuR increased efficacy of the drug.

..."

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Confusing headline, but good science news.