Researchers have discovered a promising new approach to lung cancer treatment.
A small molecule called AVJ16 selectively blocks the cancer-driving protein IGF2BP1, halting tumour growth in preclinical studies and killing cancer cells in patient-derived models—while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The findings could pave the way for a new generation of targeted therapies.
Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, with survival rates stubbornly low despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
In a study led by Nadav Wallis, a PhD student in the laboratory of Joel K. Yisraeli of the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, researchers identified a small molecule called AVJ16 that shows potential in shutting down the growth of lung tumours. Published in Oncogene, the study highlights how AVJ16 specifically blocks a cancer-driving protein known as IGF2BP1, a molecule found in many aggressive tumours but absent in healthy adult tissue.
IGF2BP1 acts like a master switch inside cancer cells, protecting and amplifying RNAs that fuel tumour growth, invasion, and resistance to treatment. By targeting IGF2BP1, AVJ16 disrupts these different processes, effectively silencing multiple cancer-promoting pathways at once. In laboratory tests, the compound reduced lung cancer cell growth, limited their ability to invade surrounding tissue, and triggered tumour cell death—all without harming healthy lung tissue.
In preclinical models implanted with human lung adenocarcinoma cells, AVJ16 injections almost completely prevented tumour growth and metastasis. When tested on patient-derived tumour organoids—miniaturized 3D models grown from human lung tumours—the drug selectively killed cancer cells expressing IGF2BP1, leaving healthy lung cells unaffected.
“What excites us about AVJ16 is its precision,” Yisraeli said.
“Unlike traditional chemotherapy that harms both cancerous and healthy cells, this molecule zeroes in on tumours carrying IGF2BP1, making it a highly promising candidate for future targeted therapies.”
While these findings are still at the preclinical stage, they open the door to a new category of cancer treatments, ones that target RNA-binding proteins long considered “undruggable.” If further trials confirm its safety and effectiveness, AVJ16 could someday be developed into a personalised therapy for patients with IGF2BP1-expressing lung cancers, and possibly other cancers as well.
Jim Cornall is editor of Deeptech Digest and publisher at Ayr Coastal Media. He is an award-winning writer, editor, photographer, broadcaster, designer and author. Contact Jim here.
