(Reuters) – A recent study has revealed that access to the newest cancer medications frequently relies on specific genetic mutations found in tumors. This approach may disproportionately affect minority patients, who are often under-represented in clinical trials.
Researchers reported on Thursday in JAMA Oncology that the initial studies identifying the gene mutations and specific cancer biomarkers targeted by these drugs were mainly conducted on patients of European descent.
Researchers noted that the lack of representation of non-European ancestral groups in research databases and biobanks has hindered the discovery of biomarkers that, while infrequent in the general population, are prevalent among minority groups.
An analysis of data from 59,433 cancer patients revealed notable disparities among different ancestry groups regarding biomarker-based eligibility for treatment with precision oncology drugs. These drugs are specifically designed to target the unique DNA signature of each patient’s tumor.
According to Debyani Chakravarty, the lead researcher from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, patients of African descent were found to be the least likely to possess the biomarkers necessary for eligibility in precision oncology treatments. Additionally, individuals of East Asian and South Asian backgrounds also showed a lower likelihood of benefiting from these tailored therapies.
Chakravarty noted that the variations in biomarker-based eligibility for cancer treatments, which are rooted in genetic ancestry, do not fully account for the disparities in access to care experienced by historically marginalized groups in the United States.
"There are additional factors contributing to these disparities, and numerous researchers are currently engaged in efforts to identify and tackle them."
A novel nanobody technique demonstrates initial potential in combating Ebola.
Researchers have reported in PLOS Pathogens that a novel approach for combating the Ebola virus, utilizing small antibodies sourced from alpacas, is demonstrating encouraging results in laboratory settings.
The scientists created two novel nanobody inhibitors for the Ebola virus. Nanosota-EB1 prevents the virus from binding to host cells, whereas Nanosota-EB2 focuses on a vital element of the virus required for entering cells, effectively stopping its transmission.
In experiments conducted on mice in the laboratory, the two nanobodies lowered the mortality rate from Ebola to 16%, a significant decrease from the 83% observed without any treatment.
Ebola is classified as a filovirus, and there are two antibody treatments approved for human use in the United States: Ebanga, developed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, and Inmazeb, created by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
According to researchers at the University of Minnesota, nanobodies present several benefits, including simpler production, easier transportation, and better storage options, along with the possibility of being administered intranasally. Additionally, they noted that nanobodies can be swiftly modified to target different viral variants or similar viruses.
The research was conducted with financial support from the National Institutes of Health of the United States.
