Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 December 2018

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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.

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Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 December 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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From New York to Toronto: the 500-mile walk that raised $750,000 for Parkinson’s research

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Study finds just six minutes of daily exercise might delay onset of Parkinson’s disease

Machine learning may help predict risk of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

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Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 5 December 2018

Last Month

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Share this story

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Perspectives

From New York to Toronto: the 500-mile walk that raised $750,000 for Parkinson’s research

Health & Fitness

3 steps to better posture for people with Parkinson’s

Perspectives

Michael J Fox is “an inspiration to us all” for laughing at his Parkinson’s symptoms

Could a sea sponge support the search for Parkinson’s disease treatments?

Study finds just six minutes of daily exercise might delay onset of Parkinson’s disease

Machine learning may help predict risk of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

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