Experimental oncologist is looking for cancer`s weakness

Dr. Dominika Nowis, head of the Laboratory of Experimental Medicine at the University of Warsaw is working on new methods of combating multiple myeloma. This malignant marrow cancer is characterized by increased production of abnormal proteins by diseased cells. The patient may remain unaware for a long time of what is happening in his blood and marrow. This type of cancer is often confused with common cold, fatigue or joint disease. Unfortunately, often only after the patient suffers unusual weight loss and bone fractures, the cancer is diagnosed.

The researcher explains that myeloma is associated with very intense metabolic processes. The cells multiply quickly and accumulate huge amounts of abnormal proteins. Cancer removes such abnormal proteins by using natural "cleaning" mechanisms. And this is where scientists enter and give the patients drugs known as proteasome inhibitors. These substances inhibit the natural mechanism of removing "garbage" from the cell that clogs up with damaged proteins and dies.

When Dominika Nowis wonders how to destroy cancer - she always checks if her methods of fighting it will not destroy healthy organs. She was the first in the world to investigate whether proteasome inhibitors impair the function of the heart. The work she did together with Dr. Gaetano Vattemi from the University of Verona helped physicians better select patients for treatment with proteasome inhibitors to reduce the risk of unexpected side effects. It turned out that although the drugs are toxic, their effects go away after some time from discontinuation. Patients do not have to be afraid that they will beat cancer only to die from heart failure.

For many years, the researcher has been looking for ways to kill cancer with light. First, she "sensitises" cancer cells to light, and then uses a lethal combination of oxygen and laser light. But cancer is a tough opponent. When it turned out that some cancers were able to survive this murderous therapy, the researcher inhibited certain enzymes that helped them. Publications on this subject have been accepted by renowned journals promoting the achievements of world biochemistry and experimental oncology.

Dominika Nowis is currently looking for cancer`s weakness by stimulating the immune system of patients. Her team has been trying to make life difficult for cancer in many different ways. The researcher found, for example, that statin drugs prevent cancer cells from taking glucose. This knowledge improves the effectiveness of diagnostic methods, such as positron emission tomography.

Research on the mechanisms of protein accumulation in cells may indicate new directions of combating Alzheimer`s or Parkinson`s disease. In dementia, asymptomatic protein accumulation also initially occurs - this time in the patient`s brain. When the diagnosis is made, it is usually too late for treatment. Researchers want to help detect irregularities as early as possible.

PAP - Science in Poland, Karolina Duszczyk

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