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 effectively.
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
the highest proportion of SRCC cases in the country.
Therapeutic Vulnerabilities: 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.
