Advances in cancer treatment have improved the quality of life and survival of patients, and sometimes bring surprises to scientists and researchers. An investigational cancer drug - ADI-PEG 20 is found showing evidence of metabolic effect that may expedite the process of weight loss. ADI-PEG 20 suppresses tumour growth through the breakdown of amino acid arginine which is a key source of fuel to cancer cells. Cells are triggered to undergo autophagy “self-eating” by the drug, break down cellular materials and reuse for normal functioning. The whole process can be described as a mimic of fasting in simple words. The research team replicated it in mouse models. Prevention of typical weight gain was achieved in the group of genetically obese mice, while weight loss occurred in the group of diet-induced obese mice. In this study, mice treated with ADI-PEG 20 up to 5 weeks presented no apparent adverse effects. Safety and efficacy of the drug have been investigated and established in other previous human trials. Its potential as metabolic therapy against obesity is demonstrated in this study; durability will be the focus of further investigation.

References

1. Zhang Y, et al. Cell Rep. 2022;3(1):100498.