Undoubtedly, there is an urgent need for medical agents to treat metastatic tumors. Pancreatic cancer, as one of the most aggressive types of cancer, cause 95% of the patients to die within 5 years after the diagnosis. To alter this situation, a scientist develops tumor therapeutic agents that might reduce this mortality rate. Currently, he has received a total of EUR 5 million to support preclinical and clinical tests of the agents.

The scientist currently schedule to utilize the funds acquired for the further development of candidate agents identified by other research team for the treatment of metastatic tumors. The candidate substances bind specifically to a so-called isoform of the surface molecule CD 44, and thus specifically interfere with central signaling paths of tumor growth, while other types of cells remain unaffected. What is seen is that New formation of blood vessels supplying the tumor and migration of cancer cells and their invasion into other organs are inhibited.

The research shows that this compounds do not only block the growth of primary tumors, but also prevent metastatic development and induce the regression of existing metastases. Although the scientist observed some remarkable effects in the previous animal tests, clinical studies carried out in future will show whether these positive effects will also occur in human patients without any side effects.

The target molecule (called CD44v6) of the above candidates plays a significant role for many type of tumors. It was discovered in the 1990s and its isoforms are increasingly considered significant factors for the spreading and formation of metastases. Blocking the receptor CD44v6 might open up opportunities for a wide-ranging application in tumor therapy.