Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025
Y-90 Radioembolization and PD-1 Inhibitor as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Published on: May 24, 2024
Auranofin and Pharmacologic Ascorbate as Radiomodulators in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Garett J Steers1,2, Gloria Y Chen1,2, Brianne R O'Leary1,2
1Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Abstract:
Pancreatic cancer accounts for nearly one fourth of all new cancers worldwide. Little progress in the development of novel or adjuvant therapies has been made over the past few decades and new approaches to the treatment of pancreatic cancer are desperately needed. Pharmacologic ascorbate (P-AscH-, high-dose, intravenous vitamin C) is being investigated in clinical trials as an adjunct to standard-of-care chemoradiation treatments. In vitro, P-AscH- has been shown to sensitize cancer cells to ionizing radiation in a manner that is dependent on the generation of H2O2 while simultaneously protecting normal tissue from radiation damage. There is renewed interest in Auranofin (Au), an FDA-approved medication utilized in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as an anti-cancer agent. Au inhibits the thioredoxin antioxidant system, thus increasing the overall peroxide burden on cancer cells. In support of current literature demonstrating Au's effectiveness in breast, colon, lung, and ovarian cancer, we offer additional data that demonstrate the effectiveness of Au alone and in combination with P-AscH- and ionizing radiation in pancreatic cancer treatment. Combining P-AscH- and Au in the treatment of pancreatic cancer may confer multiple mechanisms to increase H2O2-dependent toxicity amongst cancer cells and provide a promising translatable avenue by which to enhance radiation effectiveness and improve patient outcomes.
Insights
High-dose vitamin C (pharmacologic ascorbate) and Auranofin show promise in enhancing pancreatic cancer treatment. Combining these agents with radiation may improve outcomes by increasing cancer cell toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer remains a significant global health challenge with limited therapeutic advancements.
- Novel treatment strategies are urgently needed for pancreatic cancer.
- Pharmacologic ascorbate (P-AscH-) and Auranofin (Au) are emerging as potential anti-cancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Auranofin alone and in combination with pharmacologic ascorbate and ionizing radiation for pancreatic cancer.
- To explore the potential synergistic effects of P-AscH- and Au in enhancing cancer cell toxicity.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and potentially in vivo studies evaluating Auranofin, pharmacologic ascorbate, and ionizing radiation.
- Assessment of cancer cell sensitization to radiation and overall peroxide burden.
- Combination therapy studies in pancreatic cancer models.
Main Results:
- Auranofin demonstrates effectiveness as a standalone agent and in combination therapies for pancreatic cancer.
- Pharmacologic ascorbate sensitizes cancer cells to ionizing radiation via H2O2 generation.
- Auranofin increases the peroxide burden on cancer cells by inhibiting the thioredoxin antioxidant system.
Conclusions:
- Combining pharmacologic ascorbate and Auranofin may offer a promising strategy to enhance pancreatic cancer treatment.
- This combination therapy could improve radiation effectiveness and patient outcomes through multiple H2O2-dependent mechanisms.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted for this novel therapeutic approach.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...