New Drug Stops Ovarian Cancer

A new drug stops the growth of certain ovarian cancer cells and their ability to metastasize, report Philadelphia scientists.

In mice injected with human ovarian cancer cells, the new drug RAD001 also limited the cancer cells’ ability to make blood vessels to nourish themselves. It is possible that, once immobilized and suppressed, the cancer cells will be more vulnerable to chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer cells have a high level of an enzyme called AKT that controls some cell functions, including cell size, division and response to chemotherapy. RAD001 had little effect on cancer cells with low levels of AKT.

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths, said Joseph Testa, director of the Human Genetics Program at Philadelphia’s Fox Chase Cancer Center. It usually isn’t detected until it’s quite advanced and is hard to treat. This is one drug that is well-tolerated and could be useful in ovarian cancer treatment.

The research was presented Wednesday during the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in Anaheim, Calif.