An unusual method of stomach cancer therapy has been identified

Medications used to treat migraines can slow the growth of gastrointestinal tract tumors. This conclusion was reached by scientists from the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI). The results are published in the journal BMJ Oncology.

Scientists have discovered that two components of the nervous system - the neuropeptide CGRP and its receptor RAMP1 - are involved in the mechanism of tumor growth. These signaling molecules typically regulate nerve impulse transmission and blood flow, but in cancer, they stimulate cell division and accelerate the development of neoplasms.

To test this, researchers used genetic engineering methods to remove the RAMP1 receptor from tumor cells and noticed that their growth slowed dramatically. Since drugs that suppress CGRP activity are already used to treat migraines, scientists have proposed repurposing them to fight oncological diseases.

Dr. Lisa Mielke, head of the ONJCRI laboratory and senior author of the study, called the findings "an exciting new direction of research" that allows the nervous system to be viewed as a target for cancer therapy. She noted that drugs that block CGRP are well-studied and safe, so they can be quickly adapted for clinical trials in oncology.

The authors emphasize that the discovery opens up new possibilities for creating milder and more comfortable treatment regimens that can combine the effectiveness of anti-tumor therapy with the low toxicity of already known drugs.