A method for predicting success cancer treatment has been developed.

Scientists have decided to weigh cancer cells to assess the rate of tumor growth. By measuring the cell mass and growth rate before RNA sequencing, the doctor can understand whether the cancer will respond to the chosen therapy.

Experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have checked the response of cancer cells to drugs in the volunteers with multiple myeloma. After the cells of the patients were treated with various drugs, the scientists estimated the rate of their growth (20 minutes interval). It turned out that this indicator was associated with drug sensitivity. In addition, RNA analysis was added.

The cells of patients with glioblastoma were also estimated by the experts. The cells were treated with MDM2 inhibitor (the drug is at the stage of clinical trials, it is designed to stop the formation of the tumor), and after 16 hours they evaluated the growth rate and deciphered the RNA. This made it possible to learn that the cells do not respond to the chosen therapy.

RNA sequencing has shown that in sensitive cancer cells, the genes necessary for programmed cell death were active. They can be an excellent target for the tumor destruction.

Source: EUROLAB