20-02-2025
Drug combination nearly erases liver cancer in major breakthrough
A new drug combination led by a professor from a cancer research institute in Glasgow has been found to almost completely eradicate the most common type of liver cancer.
The discovery by Cancer Research UK-funded scientists in Scotland offers hope to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, a particularly hard-to-treat cancer.
The study, led by Professor Tom Bird of the University of Edinburgh and the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, focused on genetic alterations that can cause liver cancer.
The research, published in Nature on February 19, used these specific areas of genetic malfunction to create "genetic avatars" in mice, which were then targeted with various treatments.
John O'Donnell (Image: John O'Donnell) The team found that cladribine, an existing cancer drug used to treat leukaemia and multiple sclerosis, was effective at targeting hepatocellular carcinoma tumours.
Cladribine, which belongs to a group of drugs called antimetabolites, interferes with DNA synthesis and halts the growth of cancer cells.
The study found that cladribine significantly reduced the number of tumours, but was most effective when combined with another drug, lenvatinib, resulting in the near-eradication of all tumours.
Professor Bird, the lead author on the study, said: "This exciting discovery provides new hope for the thousands of people living every day with a liver cancer diagnosis.
"Finding new and effective ways to combine and use treatments already approved for other cancers may be a faster way to achieve successful outcomes for future patients."
The next step is to run a clinical trial over several years to confirm the long-term results in liver cancer patients.
Dr Sam Godfrey, science engagement lead at Cancer Research UK, said: "We are delighted to have funded this exciting research which could lead to new treatments and improved outcomes for patients with liver cancer.
"Liver cancer is a difficult cancer problem – it's the fastest rising cause of cancer death in the UK and it can be hard to diagnose it at an early stage when treatment can be more effective.
"That's why research like this is so important – it lays the foundations for improved cancer treatment, driving us towards a time when no one fears cancer.'
John O'Donnell, a 75-year-old from Glasgow, welcomed the new research.
He was diagnosed with liver cancer two and a half years ago and was accepted onto a clinical trial for people with advanced liver cancer.
After a few months on a new immunotherapy drug combination, his tumour had reduced by 35 per cent.
Mr O'Donnell said: 'It was hard at times but I'm absolutely delighted with the result and I'm proud that I was able to contribute in a small way to helping find new ways to tackle liver cancer.
'There are lots of exciting things happening in cancer research and I hear about it every time I am in for a check-up.
'I've been told that if the treatment I'm on stops working there are other options so I'm delighted to hear of new developments like this.'
