Nasal Drops Show Promise in Wholly Destroying Aggressive Brain Tumors
A novel treatment approach utilizing nasal drops has demonstrated the potential to completely destroy glioblastoma, the most common and rapidly evolving form of primary brain cancer, in preclinical studies. Developed collaboratively by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Northwestern University (Illinois), the therapy leverages the power of the immune system to combat this challenging disease.
Glioblastoma tumors are often described as “cold” because they don’t naturally provoke a strong immune response, hindering the effectiveness of traditional immunotherapies. The new approach focuses on activating the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) pathway - a crucial component of innate immunity. This pathway is triggered when cells detect foreign DNA, initiating an immune response through interferons and other signals designed to attack the threat.
Previous attempts to utilize drugs activating the STING pathway faced a meaningful hurdle: rapid breakdown of the drugs requiring direct injection into the tumor, necessitating invasive and repeated interventions. To overcome this, researchers engineered spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) – a novel chemotherapy form where nucleic acids are encapsulated within spheres designed to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells.
These SNAs proved more effective and stable within the body, and crucially, can be administered as nasal drops.Real-time tracking revealed the SNAs travel along the trigeminal nerve, the primary nerve pathway connecting facial structures to the brain, ultimately reaching the tumor site.The treatment triggered an immune response within the tumor and surrounding areas, with signs of activation also observed in nearby lymph nodes. Importantly, the particles exhibited limited spread beyond the targeted area, suggesting a reduction in potential adverse effects commonly associated with immunostimulating therapies.
Remarkable results were achieved when the intranasal SNA therapy was combined with drugs designed to boost the activation of T lymphocytes – essential cells for cancer cell destruction. In the study, tumors were completely destroyed after just one or two administrations, and the treatment generated long-term immune protection.
Researchers emphasize that simply activating the STING pathway isn’t a complete solution,as cancer cells can suppress immune reactions. Therefore, combining this approach with therapies that stimulate T lymphocytes appears critical for treatment success. The findings represent a significant step forward in the fight against glioblastoma, offering a possibly less invasive and more effective treatment option.
