Theralase Technologies Inc. has announced promising results from their preclinical studies showing that their lead compound Rutherrin, when combined with the diabetes drug metformin and radiation therapy, effectively destroys Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) in animal models.
The groundbreaking research utilized a subcutaneous mouse model with A20 lymphoma cells, known for their aggressive nature and limited response to conventional radiation therapy. The study implemented a three-week treatment protocol, administering Rutherrin intravenously three times per week, daily metformin intraperitoneally, and radiation five times weekly.
Significant Treatment Outcomes
The combination therapy demonstrated remarkable efficacy, particularly when all three treatment modalities were combined. Most notably, one case achieved complete tumor regression, with the subject remaining tumor-free throughout the follow-up period. This success in an traditionally treatment-resistant model suggests potential breakthrough implications for NHL treatment.
"The A20 lymphoma tumor model is a highly aggressive model, with limited response and survival following radiation therapy alone," explained Dr. Mark Roufaiel, Research Scientist at Theralase. "Our findings demonstrate that Rutherrin, even without radiation, improved survival, and notably, the combination of Rutherrin and Metformin further improved outcomes beyond either treatment alone."
Clinical Significance and Market Impact
NHL represents a significant global health burden, ranking among the top 10 most common cancers worldwide. With approximately 544,000 new cases diagnosed in 2020 and 260,000 deaths, the need for more effective treatment options is critical. The global NHL market is expected to reach $16.5 billion by 2031, highlighting the commercial potential of successful therapeutic innovations.
Future Development Plans
Dr. Arkady Mandel, Chief Scientific Officer at Theralase, emphasized the broader implications of these findings: "Future studies will investigate this trimodal therapy on a variety of cancerous tumours to validate their effect. The outcomes of this research may help identify novel therapeutic options, changing the way this and other uncurable diseases are treated."
Therapeutic Mechanism and Applications
Rutherrin is currently under development for intravenous administration to treat various cancers, including brain, lung, pancreatic, and muscle invasive bladder cancer. The compound's demonstrated ability to enhance both radiation therapy and metformin's effects suggests potential applications beyond NHL treatment.
The research team believes this approach could help overcome resistance mechanisms that develop with current NHL treatments, potentially offering new hope for patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options.
