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Scientists were able to double the effectiveness of radiation therapy
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Specialists from Georgia have developed a method for reducing the ability of cancer cells to repair irreversible DNA double-strand breaks caused by radiation therapy.
"The big problem with radiation therapy is its side effects," said study author Dr. William S. Dignan. "We think we can kill the same, if not more, cancer cells with a lower dose of radiation and perhaps cure a patient who has previously failed this treatment."
Radiation therapy works by killing cancer cells by causing breaks in DNA. But it is also known that cells, including cancer cells, have internal mechanisms to prevent this damage.
After studying many types of cancer, including lung cancer, scientists discovered that cancer cells have a large number of folate receptors. By synthesizing specific antibodies against folate, the researchers were able to destroy a significant number of cancer cells.
"Previous attempts to disrupt cancer cells' ability to avoid radiation damage have targeted receptors on their surface," says study co-author and molecular biologist Shui Li.
To get a more direct hit, the scientists used folate receptors. Specific antibodies ScFv 18-2, by binding to these receptors, are sent directly to the cell nucleus, where ScFv 18-2 attacks the regulatory regions of the DNA-dependent kinase protein, an enzyme necessary for DNA repair, which makes cancer cells more vulnerable.
This approach can be used to deliver any number of drugs directly into cancer cells.
Folate receptors are now also used as entry points for chemotherapeutic drugs, including in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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