Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 December 2018

Parkinson's LifePrep: Parkinson's LifeCook: Parkinson's LifeServes:

cancer drug Parkinson's

Researchers at the Oxford Parkinson’s Disease Centre, UK, have repurposed an experimental cancer drug – called tasquinimod – as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s.

The study – funded by Parkinson’s UK and published in science journal ‘Cell Stem Cell’ – has been tested on a total of 10 patients so far.

As part of the research, the study grew brain cells from donated skin cell samples of people living with a rare genetic form of Parkinson’s – this process was then repeated on people with a common non-genetic form of the condition. Researchers found that tasquinimod can block HDAC4, a protein that causes Parkinson’s genes to become inactive.

Professor Richard Wade-Martins, co-lead author of the study, said: “We think that switching off these genes in brain cells may play a vital role in the cell damage and death that occurs in Parkinson’s.”

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit Parkinson’s Europe website.


Read more:

Research survey assesses impact of holidays on Parkinson’s symptoms

World’s largest Parkinson’s study seeks 10,000 participants

Go Back

Share this story

Comments


Related articles


magnesium

Recipes & nutrition

Magnesium, muscles and Parkinson’s

Our guest dietician Kathrynne Holden shares her expertise

READ MORE
Kimchi Korean food

Recipes & nutrition

Parkinson’s power foods: one-day menus to nourish your brain and body

One-day menu ideas to enrich the microbiome to reduce symptoms

READ MORE
Mark Mardell in the studio wearing headphones

Global update

Mark Mardell on his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis: “I do expect it to get worse”

The former BBC editor has spoken up about the condition

READ MORE