Recent News from Hospital del Mar

Researchers from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer, one of the most aggressive types of the disease. A recent study published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine reveals that inhibiting a gene called MET, in conjunction with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, greatly enhances the treatment response and limits tumor growth.

The study was conducted in both mouse models and patient samples and indicates that this new strategy could provide renewed hope to those suffering from this type of cancer, known for its high ability to develop resistance to conventional treatments. Although it accounts for only 15% of all lung tumors, its three-year survival rate is alarmingly low at 15%, due to its rapid progression and late diagnosis, which often complicates surgical treatment.

The research focuses on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which is crucial for the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. The results indicated that mice receiving a treatment combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a MET inhibitor showed better disease control. According to Dr. Edurne Arriola, the lead author of the study, this combination not only improves survival but also temporarily inhibits tumor growth and, in some cases, completely halts it.

During the trials, it was observed that six out of the nine tumors treated with this approach showed a complete response, representing a notable advancement in the fight against small-cell lung cancer. Additionally, it was validated that human tumors with overexpression of the MET gene have a worse prognosis, underscoring the urgency of advancing this line of treatment.

The next step for the researchers will be to initiate a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of this approach in real patients, aiming to incorporate the MET inhibitor during the maintenance phases of treatment, thereby seeking to prevent tumor progression and improve patients’ quality of life.