Researchers from the University of Houston and University of Michigan in Ann Arbor have developed a dual-target drug designed to overcome immunotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer.
The research team developed SH-273 and a nanoparticle version, Nano-273, to boost immune system activity against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, according to a May 27 news release. The cancer type has a five-year survival rate of 13%.
The study, published April 28 in Nature Cancer, found that combining STING activation with PI3Kγ inhibition reduced regulatory B cells that can block immune responses against tumors.
In mouse models and patient-derived human cells, Nano-273 improved survival to 201 days, reduced tumor metastasis and invasion in the lungs, and did not show toxicity in animals, the researchers said.
