Dr. Linda Malkas discusses paradigm shifts in cancer treatment, the nature of cancer, immune system evasion, virtual screening for cancer-killing compounds, advancements in cancer therapy, and the importance of personalized treatment in this entertaining episode of StarTalk Radio.
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Quick takeaways
Dr. Linda Malkas is developing a promising new cancer treatment that targets the PCNA protein to disrupt DNA replication in cancer cells.
Combination therapies and precision medicine hold great promise in the future of cancer treatment, allowing for personalized approaches and attacking cancer cells from multiple angles.
Deep dives
Ford electrifies its icons for an electric vehicle future
Ford is shifting towards an electric vehicle future while keeping the driving experience alive. The all-electric Mustang Mach-E combines the style of a Mustang with the practicality of an SUV, offering the freedom to enjoy the thrill of driving while meeting everyday needs. With seating for five and a front trunk, it provides both excitement and functionality.
Hopeful new direction in cancer treatments
In this special edition of StarTalk Radio, cancer researcher Linda Malkus discusses a promising treatment approach she developed. By targeting the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein, which plays a crucial role in DNA replication, her treatment aims to disrupt the replication process in cancer cells. AOH 1996, the drug derived from this approach, has shown great potential in preclinical studies and is currently being tested in a phase I clinical trial in humans.
Understanding cancer as a complex and evolving disease
Cancer is described as a disease where the body's own cells turn against it, making it challenging to treat. It is like a constantly evolving and intelligent predator that can change itself to avoid detection and survive. Cancer cells continually damage their own DNA, which allows them to adapt and resist treatments. This complexity and adaptability make cancer difficult to combat, but researchers like Linda Malkus are making progress by identifying vulnerabilities in the replication process and targeting key proteins like PCNA.
The future of cancer treatment: combination therapies and precision medicine
The future of cancer treatment lies in combination therapies and precision medicine. Rather than relying on a single drug, researchers are discovering the power of combining multiple drugs with different targets to attack cancer cells from multiple angles. Additionally, precision medicine involves analyzing the unique molecular signatures of individual tumors to identify the most effective treatments for specific patients. This personalized approach holds great promise in transforming cancer from a critical disease to a managed condition, providing improved outcomes for patients.
Why have we not found the cure for cancer yet? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Chuck Nice, and Gary O’Reilly explore paradigm shifts in cancer treatment, molecular biology, and a promising new cancer drug AOH1996 with City of Hope cancer researcher Dr. Linda Malkas.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
Thanks to our Patrons Willie Bass, Nicholas A Jones, Edwin Goel, Joe Gibbs, Shane Alexander, Keith Goodman, and James Kuntz for supporting us this week.
Photo Credit: Dr. Cecil Fox (Photographer), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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