A drug designed to inhibit the protein RSK1 is currently being tested in trials for breast cancer, but research done at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has potentially found a new usage for the drug for blood cancers.
According to 2 new studies published in Nature Communications and Blood Cancer Journal, an RSK1 inhibitor is now showing promise of reducing progression of slow growing blood cancers (myeloproliferative neoplasms) and a specific type of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Myeloproliferative neoplasms, or MPNs, though slow moving, often develop into AMLs, which are aggressive and difficult to treat. But studies are now showing that the use of PMD-026, the drug currently being used in breast cancer trials, can block RSK1s in MPNs which slows the progression and may even potentially reverse the disease. In some cases, the drug eliminated up to 96% of cancer cells in the samples used and showed potential of preventing the MPNs from turning into AML.
Additionally, a different study focused on a specific type of AML, FLT3-ITD AML, which is high risk for developing resistance to current treatments and therapies. The RSK1 inhibitor was able target different pathways enabling it to block the disease’s ability to build a resistance to treatment.
In addition to improving symptoms for MPN and AML patients, RSK1 inhibitor could potentially lead more patients towards stem cell transplant eligibility, which is the ideal treatment option for achieving for blood cancer remission.
Because of these promising preclinical trial results, researchers are in early development conversations about a clinical trial that uses RSK1 inhibitors on advanced MPN diseases. If the PMD-026 clinical trial is successful, it would be the first cancer treatment that targets the RSK1 protein and could open the doors for blood cancer treatments as well.
To read more about this potential breakthrough, please visit our sources:
Editor’s Note: Get Involved
Cancer doesn’t discriminate. WHATNEXT and its partners are interested in amplifying the voices of those from all identities and backgrounds. If you have a cancer journey to share, reach out here to learn more about how your voice can help spread awareness and inspire individuals from all walks of life.
acute myeloid leukemia blood cancer breast cancer cancer research clinical trial myeloproliferative neoplasms PMD-026
Last modified: January 24, 2025
