Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the blood pressure medication hydralazine. This drug, which has been used since the 1950s to treat hypertension, has shown potential in targeting a critical enzyme involved in tumor growth, specifically in aggressive cancers like glioblastoma.
Hydralazine’s unexpected role in cancer treatment stems from its ability to bind to the enzyme 2-aminoethanethiol dioxygenase (ADO). ADO functions as a cellular oxygen sensor, helping cancer cells survive in low-oxygen environments. By silencing ADO, hydralazine disrupts the cellular response that allows tumors to thrive, presenting a new avenue for therapeutic intervention.
The research team utilized advanced techniques, including X-ray crystallography, to analyze hydralazine’s interaction with ADO. Their findings indicate that this binding effectively halts the enzyme’s activity, leading to a significant disruption of the oxygen response mechanism within cancer cells. In laboratory tests, human glioblastoma cells treated with hydralazine ceased to multiply within three days, transforming into larger, flatter cells, a state known as senescence, which resembles a permanent ‘sleep mode.’
While hydralazine does not directly kill cancer cells, its ability to inhibit their growth represents a major step forward in managing aggressive tumors. The researchers noted that the drug’s established safety profile, as it is already approved by the FDA, could accelerate its repurposing for cancer therapy compared to the lengthy process of developing new drugs.
The implications of this discovery are particularly significant for treating glioblastoma, which is notorious for its high recurrence rates and resistance to conventional therapies. The research team is optimistic about hydralazine’s potential, given its availability and existing safety record. They emphasize that understanding how hydralazine operates at the molecular level could lead to more targeted and effective treatments for cancer.
As the study progresses, the next phase will involve evaluating the safety and efficacy of blocking ADO in living organisms. This research underscores the importance of exploring existing medications for new therapeutic uses, particularly in addressing unmet medical needs in cancer treatment. The team is committed to further investigations to deepen their understanding of hydralazine’s effects and its potential role in oncology.
The findings represent a promising strategy for cancer treatment, demonstrating how repurposing existing drugs can lead to innovative solutions in the fight against aggressive cancers.
