Al's Comment:

 This project lays the foundation for a new way to treat all cancers.  If successful, the methods could be used for any targets.

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Posted on: 09/26/2021

Musella Foundation awards $50,000 brain tumor research grant!

 

Hewlett, NY 9/26/2021 - The Musella Foundation is pleased to announce that we have awarded a brain tumor research grant to Dr. Wafa Hassen at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center for the project: "Exosomes for Targeting c-Myc in Glioblastoma Multiforme".

 The genetics and biology of GBM suggest about 60-80% of GBM patients exhibit increased c-Myc expression. Genetic studies in mice have unequivocally shown that directly inhibiting oncogenic c-Myc significantly suppresses tumor progression. Despite such dramatic pre-clinical evidence, targeting oncogenic c-Myc in people has been elusive. Some efficacy was reported with methodologies developed to target oncogenic c-Myc using small molecules inhibitors, but these approaches have not achieved clinical success. A new approach is needed.

This project will try to use physiological nanoparticles called exosomes to deliver RNA interference (RNAi) molecules to the tumor.  If successful, this will lead to a phase 1 trial in human Glioblastoma. 

They are also working on the same concept for pancreatic cancer, which also overexpress c-Myc.  

We will be watching this closely as it has the potential to be a major breakthrough for many types of cancer.

 

About the Musella Foundation

 The Musella Foundation For Brain Tumor Research & Information, Inc is a 501(c)3 non- profit organization dedicated to speeding up the search for the cure of brain tumors, as well as helping families deal with the diagnosis of brain cancer, by funding innovative brain tumor research, education, advocacy, emotional and financial support for families that are dealing with brain tumors and organizing the brain tumor community to work together as an army to fight the disease.

 

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