Researchers have discovered a new way to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) the most common type of liver cancer, and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide.

The Centenary Institute led study revealed an encouraging treatment strategy involving the use of a new drug called Blockmir CD5-2, combined with a drug called programmed cell death protein 1 antibody (anti-PD1 antibody). This combination proved effective in reducing liver tumor size in mice. The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.

Lead author of the study, Dr. Ken Liu, a researcher in the Centenary Institute's Center for Cancer Innovations said the discovery was exciting and had the potential to be a viable treatment for advanced liver cancer.

"The synergistic effect of the drugs Blockmir CD5-2 and anti-PD1 antibody significantly reduced the size of liver tumors in mice in our study. We believe that this dual-drug approach enhances the immune system, rendering it more efficient in combating cancer cells and reducing tumors," said Dr. Liu.

Dr. Liu explained that liver tumors often have abnormal blood vessels and low oxygen levels, creating an environment that suppresses the immune system and the body's ability to fight cancer.

"Blockmir CD5-2 addresses this issue by promoting the health of tumor blood vessels through the activation of a protein called VE-Cadherin. This results in improved blood supply and oxygen levels within the tumors," said Dr. Liu.

"The enhanced blood vessel conditions within the tumors means that more cancer-targeting immune cells, specifically cytotoxic T cells, can infiltrate the tumor and effectively combat the disease," he said.

The researchers said that use of the anti-PD1 antibody was also a crucial component of the innovative treatment approach, helping the immune system fight cancer more effectively by blocking a protein that hinders the immune response.

Senior study authors, Professor Jennifer Gamble from the Centenary Institute's Center for Healthy Aging and Professor Geoff McCaughan from the Centenary Institute's Center for Cancer Innovations said that current effective treatment options for liver cancer were limited and that the new therapeutic approach held tremendous potential for effectively treating such a challenging disease.