The Bio Report
Targeting a Multitude of CIN in Cancer Cells
Jan 3, 2024
The podcast discusses the exploitation of chromosomal instability in cancer cells as a key difference from healthy cells. Volastra is developing therapies to target this vulnerability in difficult-to-treat cancers, with expanding relationships with Big Pharma. Topics include the prevalence of chromosomal instability in different tumor types, targeted therapies for cancer cell death and tumor regression, and the use of KF8 inhibitors in standalone or combination treatments.
20:50
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Quick takeaways
- Chromosomal instability is a key characteristic of cancer cells and can be exploited to develop therapies that slow cancer growth and improve symptoms.
- Velastra is utilizing the concept of synthetic lethality to selectively treat cancer by targeting KF-18A inhibitors that trap chromosomally unstable cells in mitosis, preventing their division and causing cell death.
Deep dives
Targeting Chromosomal Instability in Metastatic Cancers
Metastatic cancers are difficult to treat due to their complex genetic and epigenetic characteristics, making them resistant to standard treatments. The focus of Velastra, a biopharmaceutical company, is to exploit chromosomal instability, which results in the duplication or deletion of chromosomes and contributes to cancer progression. Chromosomal instability is prevalent in many tumor types, and Velastra aims to develop therapies that target this vulnerability, slowing cancer growth and improving symptoms. By targeting KF-18A, a molecular motor involved in cell division, Velastra's experimental therapies trap chromosomally unstable cells in mitosis, preventing their proliferation and leading to cell death.
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