Cancer Research in Space Yields New Treatment Hope
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California researchers sent mini cancer tumors into space, where microgravity accelerates their growth, to study treatments more rapidly.
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The tumors activate a cloning gene called ADAR1 that allows unchecked proliferation. Anti-cancer drugs that block ADAR1 slowed growth.
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An experimental drug called rebecsinib was highly effective at inhibiting breast cancer tumor growth in space by preventing ADAR1 activation.
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The team hopes rebecsinib may act as a "kill switch for cancer" and aims to launch human trials on Earth by end of 2023.
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Studying cancer in space provides "practical hope" for new treatments thanks to accelerated tumor growth from microgravity stress.