VCU Massey Researchers Decode Gene Behind Tumor Spread and Treatment Breakthrough

A pioneering team at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center has uncovered a genetic code crucial to tumor formation and spread. This breakthrough, involving a gene named Flower, offers a potential universal therapy for various cancer types. The team, including experts like Esha Madan, Ph.D., and Rajan Gogna, Ph.D., has developed an intravenous treatment that enlists the body’s cells to resist cancerous invasions.

“We identified a biological mechanism through which cancer cells gaslight the human body, altering the genome of the host cells and forcing them into a state of low fitness, creating an enormous advantage for the cancer to take over. We have developed a monoclonal antibody which can stop this process. There are many targeted drugs already available to treat tumors, but for the first time ever we are enabling our entire body, beyond the immune system, to fight back against cancer.”- Esha

Understanding cancer’s ability to spread and dominate healthy cells has been a longstanding challenge in medical research. The discovery that cancer cells express a dominant “Flower-Win” genetic code, in contrast to the “Flower-Lose” typically found in healthy cells, sheds light on this process. VCU Massey’s team has created a monoclonal antibody targeting the Flower gene, effectively reducing tumor growth in ovarian cancer models. This new therapy represents a significant leap from conventional treatments by enabling the entire body, not just the immune system, to combat cancer.

This groundbreaking research not only enhances our understanding of cancer genetics but also paves the way for early-stage, universal cancer treatments. As the collaboration between VCU School of Medicine and Massey continues to overcome barriers, the findings signal optimism for innovative therapeutic strategies across all cancer types, with the potential for transforming patient outcomes globally.

Contact James for more details.