Pinworm Drug Shows Promise in Reversing Deadly Skin Cancer
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Capital — May 23, 2024 — Researchers are investigating a pinworm drug to treat an aggressive type of skin cancer. This novel approach explores the potential of pyrvinium pamoate for treating Merkel cell carcinoma, which is more deadly than melanoma. The study, led by Dr. Megha padi, shows a new method of fighting cancer. Learn more about this promising development.
Pinworm Drug Shows Promise in Reversing Deadly Skin Cancer
A common medication used to treat pinworm infections may hold teh key to stopping and even reversing the growth of Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer.
The Challenge: Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Rare but Deadly: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine cancer of the skin that grows rapidly and is more deadly than melanoma [[3]].
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Incidence Increasing:
Merkel cell carcinoma is increasing in incidence
,according to Dr. Megha Padi, a researcher at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. - Limited Treatment Options: Current treatments like surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy have limited success, highlighting the urgent need for new therapies.
The Discovery: A New Use for an Old Drug
Researchers are exploring the potential of pyrvinium pamoate,an FDA-approved drug since 1955 for treating pinworms,as a novel treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma.
Did you know? Pyrvinium pamoate has shown antitumor potential in other cancers, including breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and bladder cancers.
- Antitumor Potential: Pyrvinium pamoate has demonstrated antitumor potential in several different cancers.
- First Time Studied in MCC: This is the first time it has been studied in models of Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Wnt Pathway Inhibitor: Researchers chose to test pyrvinium pamoate after identifying the Wnt signaling pathway as a driver of Merkel cell carcinoma. Pyrvinium pamoate is a known Wnt pathway inhibitor.
The Research: How Pyrvinium Pamoate Works
Dr. Padi and her team investigated how pyrvinium pamoate affects Merkel cell carcinoma cells.
- Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth: In laboratory models, pyrvinium pamoate inhibited cancer cell growth and reversed the cancer’s neuroendocrine features.
- Reduces Tumor Growth: In mouse models, pyrvinium pamoate reduced tumor growth.
This is a hypothesis, but some people think the reason an antiparasitic agent could be effective against cancers is because tumors are a little bit like parasites in our body. Parasites and tumors must develop ways to use scarce resources in their host to feed themselves and allow for unlimited multiplication. If the pathways that they have hijacked to feed themselves are the same, then you get lucky, and you have a tumor type that could be amenable to killing by these antiparasitic drugs.
Dr. Megha Padi,University of Arizona Cancer Center
Next Steps: Further Research Needed
While these findings are promising,further research is necesary to determine the optimal treatment protocols for pyrvinium pamoate in Merkel cell carcinoma.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the latest cancer research by consulting reputable sources such as the National Cancer Institute [[1]] and the European Society for Medical Oncology [[2]].
- Optimize Treatment Protocols: Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols for the development of pyrvinium pamoate as a clinically useful medication for Merkel cell carcinoma.
- Collaborative Effort: The research team included researchers from multiple departments at the University of Arizona, as well as collaborators from the Southern Arizona VA healthcare system, Harvard Medical School, and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
- Funding: This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Merkel cell carcinoma?
- It is a rare, aggressive skin cancer.
- How is Merkel cell carcinoma currently treated?
- Current treatments include surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy.
- What is pyrvinium pamoate?
- It is indeed an FDA-approved medication used to treat pinworm infections.
- How does pyrvinium pamoate affect Merkel cell carcinoma?
- It inhibits cancer cell growth and reduces tumor growth in laboratory and mouse models.
- Is pyrvinium pamoate a cure for Merkel cell carcinoma?
- No, further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols.
