Researchers find weakness in high-risk blood cancer cells

Scientists have uncovered a potential new therapeutic target in high-risk blood cancers by identifying a critical dependency in cancer cell metabolism. The research, involving institutions including the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, focused on Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a bone marrow cancer that can progress to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

The study, published in *Blood Cancer Discovery*, found that high-risk cancer cells exhibit more vigorous metabolic activity and depend heavily on a molecule called NAD. This molecule is essential for cellular functions, akin to a continuous supply of "electricity" for the cell's operations.

Researchers pinpointed an enzyme, NAMPT, crucial for regenerating NAD within these cells. When they inhibited NAMPT, the high-risk cancer cells showed a marked decline in their ability to survive and multiply, with increased cell death observed. Notably, healthy blood-forming cells were less affected, suggesting a specific vulnerability in the cancer cells.

Further experiments in animal models demonstrated that inhibiting NAMPT reduced the disease burden of blood cancer. While these findings offer a promising avenue for future treatments, the research is currently in the cell and animal study phase and has not yet been tested for safety or efficacy in human cancer patients. The next steps involve confirming if this metabolic weakness can be translated into a safe and effective therapy.