A method for predicting cancer treatment success has been developed.

Scientists decided to weigh cancer cells to assess the tumor growth rate. By measuring the cell mass and growth rate before RNA sequencing, we can understand whether the cancer will respond to the therapy chosen by the doctor.

Experts from Massachusetts Technology Institute have tested the response of cancer cells to drugs by treating volunteers with multiple myeloma. After the cells were treated with various drugs, the scientists estimated their growth rate with 20 minutes interval. It turned out that this indicator was associated with drug sensitivity. In addition, RNA analysis was also used.

The cells of patients with glioblastoma were also subjected to expert evaluation. The cells were treated with an MDM2 inhibitor (the drug is under clinical trials, it is designed to stop the formation of a tumor), and after 16 hours they estimated the growth rate and deciphered the RNA. This made it possible to learn that the cells did not respond to the chosen therapy.

RNA sequencing has shown that in sensitive cancer cells, the genes necessary for programmed cell death were active. They can be an excellent target for tumor destruction.

Source: Eurolab