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Targeting Methionine Addiction of Cancer Cells with Methioninase

Vadim S Pokrovsky1,2,3, Louay Abo Qoura4,2, Elena A Demidova5

  • 1Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 115478, Russia. v.pokrovsky@ronc.ru.

Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
|September 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Methionine restriction, using methioninase (METase), inhibits cancer cell growth without harming normal cells. Clinical studies show oral recombinant METase (rMETase) is a safe and effective therapy for advanced cancers, alone or with chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancer cells exhibit a metabolic dependency on methionine, termed the Hoffman effect.
  • Methionine restriction effectively inhibits cancer cell proliferation while sparing normal cells.
  • Methioninase (METase) targets this methionine addiction, showing promise as a cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical studies on methioninase-mediated methionine restriction in advanced cancer patients.
  • To analyze the efficacy and safety of oral recombinant METase (rMETase) dosages.
  • To evaluate rMETase as a standalone supplement or in combination with chemotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of 8 published clinical studies on METase in advanced cancer.
  • Analysis of data concerning oral rMETase dosage regimens.
  • Evaluation of METase in monotherapy and combination chemotherapy settings.

Main Results:

  • Recombinant METase (rMETase) can be administered orally as a supplement.
  • Anecdotal positive outcomes reported in advanced cancer patients.
  • Clinical studies indicate METase is an effective and safe therapeutic approach.

Conclusions:

  • Methionine restriction via METase is a viable strategy for advanced cancer treatment.
  • Oral rMETase demonstrates safety and efficacy, both alone and with chemotherapy.
  • Further investigation into optimal rMETase dosing is warranted.
Keywords:
Hoffman effectclinical studymethionine addictionmethionine restrictionmethionine γ-lyasemethionine-degrading enzymeoral methioninase

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