Rare and Aggressive Cancer: Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare, aggressive subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) characterized by cells resembling signet rings.
Indian Research Breakthrough: Indian scientists have developed innovative methods (PDOs and PDXs) to study and potentially treat SRCC more
PDOs and PDXs: Patient-Derived Organoids (PDOs) are 3D tumor models grown in lab dishes, and Patient-Derived Xenografts (PDXs) involve implanting human tumor cells into mice to mimic SRCC tumor behavior.
Mimicking Tumor Behavior: PDOs and PDXs models mimic molecular behavior of real human SRCC tumors.
Living Biobank: This research creates one of the first living biobanks of SRCC models, enabling precise study and treatment testing.
Peritoneal Spread: SRCC is challenging to treat due to its tendency to spread to the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity), worsening prognosis.
Disproportionate Impact in India: While SRCC is 1% of CRC globally, it affects a disproportionately larger number of patients in India (nearly 10 times more), often younger individuals.
Study Details: Research published in ‘Clinical Cancer Research’, led by Nazia Chaudhary at ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre.
Central and Northern India Prevalence: A recent study found that central and northern India had the highest proportion of SRCC cases in the country.
The study uncovered unique molecular features explaining SRCC’s resistance to chemotherapy and identified potential therapeutic vulnerabilities through drug combination testing.
Promising Drug Combination: A novel three-drug combination shrank tumors and curbed cancer spread in lab models, paving the way for clinical trials and new treatment options. Phase 1 clinical trials are required for further investigation.
