Despite advances in treatment, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death. Worldwide, cancer accounted for 7.4 million deaths in 2004; this number is projected to rise to 12 million by 2030 (WHO). A significant need continues to exist for therapeutics to decrease cancer cell viability, invasion, and metastasis.

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that the sulfhydryl oxidase QSOX1 is over-expressed in tumors but not in normal tissue. Short hairpin RNA was developed that inhibits QSOX1 expression, leading to a decrease in tumor cell growth and more importantly, diminished invasion through a basement membrane. In vitro studies showed that treating BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells with this shRNA resulted in a 70% decrease in cellular invasion.

Development of anti-neoplastic drugs targeting QSOX1 could lead to new treatments to inhibit tumors from metastasizing. Such drugs may additionally sensitize tumor cells to other anti-neoplastic agents.

Potential Applications

• Cancer treatment to suppress metastasis
• Cancer treatment to diminish tumor cell viability
• Cancer treatment in conjunction with other anti-neoplastic agents

Benefits and Advantages

• 70% decrease in cellular invasion (in vitro data), leading to diminished metastasis
• Lessened cancer cell viability

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For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see
Dr. Lake's departmental webpage