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Published Dec 8, 2023

The Biggest Challenge in Medicine with Neil deGrasse Tyson & Dr. Linda Malkas

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Dr. Linda Malkas delve into the transformative landscape of precision medicine for cancer treatment, unraveling the promise of personalized therapies and the innovative AOH1996 drug targeting PCNA proteins. Discover the challenges and breakthroughs in understanding cancer's elusive nature, and explore how immunotherapy and cutting-edge research are pioneering the future of medical treatment.
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  • PCNA Discovery

    Dr. Linda Malkas, a cancer researcher at City of Hope, has discovered a unique difference in the PCNA protein within cancer cells, which led to the development of the drug AOH1996. This drug targets the altered form of PCNA, a sliding clamp protein that interacts with over 200 other proteins in human cells, effectively disrupting cancer cell replication while sparing normal cells. explains the significance of this discovery:

    Suppose we make, I mean, you know, technically we found a new molecular target, PCNA, that's different in cancer cells, and it's not changed in the genome.

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    This breakthrough highlights the potential of targeting specific molecular differences in cancer cells for more effective treatments 1 2.

       

    Clinical Trials

    AOH1996 is currently progressing through clinical trials, having shown promising results in preclinical testing. The drug underwent rigorous virtual screening, where 6.5 million molecules were evaluated, leading to the selection of a unique compound now in phase one trials. describes the trial process:

    We have patients that have been enrolled in the phase one trial... Phase one is a toxicity trial. Can we find the maximum tolerated dose in humans?

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    The trials aim to establish the drug's safety and efficacy, with hopes of advancing to broader efficacy trials soon 2 3.

       

    Combination Therapy

    AOH1996 holds promise as part of combination therapies, potentially enhancing cancer treatment outcomes by reducing toxicity and overcoming resistance. Dr. Malkas emphasizes the shift away from monotherapy towards drug cocktails, which can lower the dosage of toxic drugs while maintaining efficacy. She notes:

    My joke is that AOH 1996 will be the olive in everyone's cocktail.

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    This approach could revolutionize cancer treatment by providing more personalized and less harmful options for patients 4 5.

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