Abstract 1990: Targeting cancer stem cells is an answer to the curing lung cancer

Abstract

Abstract Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Mainly, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, about 80% of cases) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC, about 20% of cases) are the major types of lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma (30-50%) and squamous cell carcinoma (30%) are the major subtypes of NSCLC. Even though there are considerable advancements in the drugs against lung cancer, the 5-year survival rate is meager. Unfortunately, the drug resistance for currently available anticancer drugs results in a 5-year survival of only 5%. The remarkable lung cancer recurrence despite definitive local and/or systemic therapy indicate that residual cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess tumorigenic potential. Therefore, drugs targeting the CSCs and killing them quickly can cure lung cancer without any relapse and improve the 5-year survival rate. Herein, we present the application of the recently reported ID-Checker technology (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 2022 65 (19), 12883-12894) for killing lung cancer stem cells (LCSC). The ID-Checker that is decorated with the glucose tag allows highly specific absorption and macroscale delivery of anticancer drugs to the LCSC through the GLUT channels. ID-Checker inhibits the microtubule formation resulting in the cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase followed by apoptosis. The inhibition of microtubule formation by ID-Checker also leads to the inhibition of GLUT channel deployment in the LCSC. Thus, the glucose-deprived LCSC undergoes apoptosis within 72 hours of ID-Checker treatment. Hence, we believe the ID-Check technology presented here can kill the LCSC and completely cure lung cancer. Citation Format: Keum-Soo Song, Satish Balasaheb Nimse, Taisun Kim. Targeting cancer stem cells is an answer to the curing lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1990.