A Rare and Deadly Cancer May Have an Unexpected New Vulnerability

Researchers at the University of Vermont and RS Oncology tested a mesothelioma drug that blocks PRX3, an antioxidant enzyme that helps cancer cells manage oxidative stress.

By disabling this pathway, the therapy triggers toxic oxidative buildup in tumor cells, a strategy designed to exploit cancer metabolism.

In a phase 1 trial, 67% of patients achieved disease control, with some tumor shrinkage and generally good tolerability.

The findings suggest a new treatment avenue for mesothelioma, a cancer with few effective options, and could have broader relevance beyond this disease.