Mitochondria ’s activity in lung tumors could predict response to treatment

FINDINGSResearchers at theUCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center andDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have identified a new biomarker that could indicate how likely someone is to respond to treatment for lung cancer. In a test using mice, the scientists found that the level of activity of the mitochondria in lung tumor cells could potentially predict who would respond favorably to a type of drug called a complex I inhibitor, which targets mitochondrial function — and that the mitochondria activity could be tracked noninvasively using a PET scan.The study was the first to use a noninvasive imaging technique to track the activity of mitochondria in lung tumors.BACKGROUNDMitochondria are the powerhouses of all cells, and they play a particularly important role in sustaining the growth and survival of cancer cells. Unit now, though, there has not been an effective way to get clear images of mitochondria activity in living animals. Scientists have been seeking a noninvasive way to capture images of mitochondria in living organisms so they can better understand how lung tumors use mitochondria to advance their growth.METHODThe team used a voltage-sensitive positron emission tomography, or PET, probe to detect mitochondria activity in mice with a version of lung cancer. After imaging, the tumors were surgically removed so the mitochondria ’s function and activity could be analyzed in detail.IMPACTThe findings could help guide treatment decisions for people with lung canc...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news