Can We Kill Cancer Cells Using a New Drug That Stops DNA Repair?
Solving Kids’ Cancer created this research project to test CHK1 inhibitors in neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. After this research was complete, a phase I clinical trial for children with the best approach was planned and is now underway.
Project Title: CHK1 Inhibition as Therapeutic Strategy for Children with Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma
Researcher: Kristina Cole, MD, PhD
Institution: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Study Type: Preclinical
Status: Completed
Cancer cells multiply, form tumors and travel to other parts of the body and spread. An important area of cancer research focuses on identifying where the cell cycle control is “broken” and interrupting that process with a targeted drug. Kinases are enzymes that play a major role in the control of the cell cycle, and researchers have been able to identify drugs to target the enzymes and treat cancer. Researchers at CHOP found an enzyme, called checkpoint kinase1 or CHK1, which plays a key role in controlling the cell cycle. Drugs that disrupt the function of CHK1, called CHK1 inhibitors, are able to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation. They are currently being used in clinical trials for other cancers. Solving Kids’ Cancer created this research project to test CHK1 inhibitors in neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. After this research was complete, a phase I clinical trial for children was planned and is now underway.