Scientists have identified a new drug that targets a cancer-promoting protein and may work against acute myeloid leukemia in a mouse model.

Hsp90 is a protein involved in a molecular pathway for cell proliferation and survival and may be involved in the development of certain types of cancer, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dario C. Altieri, M.D., of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, and colleagues investigated the use of an Hsp90 inhibitor, shepherdin, in AML tumors in mice. Shepherdin stopped the growth of AML tumors and inhibited Hsp90 function.



Contact:
Mark Shelton
mark.sheltonumassmed.edu

Note: The Journal of the National Cancer Institute is published by Oxford University Press and is not affiliated with the National Cancer Institute. Attribution to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute is requested in all news coverage. Visit the Journal online at jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals/.

Source: Highlights from the August 2 issue of JNCI

Contact: Ariel Whitworth
Journal of the National Cancer Institute