Our researchers have formulated a method to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) using Mithramycin A in combination with immunotherapy (αPD-L1, programmed cell death ligand 1 ). Mithramycin A has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of CSCs. PD-L1 plays a role in tumor immune evasion and aggressiveness. Combination treatment of αPD-L1 plus Mit-A in animals significantly inhibited tumor growth. Moreover, the combination regimen induced expression of E-cadherin, which targets CSCs by promoting mesenchymal to epithelial transition while downregulating stemness marker Lgr5. This is a promising new approach for treatment of difficult-to-treat cancers.
Treatment of Animals with Mit-A and Anti-PD-L1 Combination Significantly Reduces Tumor Volume