A brain-penetrant drug exploits metabolic vulnerability in glioblastoma
Glioblastoma treatment resistance and renewal is attributed to brain tumour stem cells (BTSCs).
The researchers demonstrate that mubritinib effectively suppressed glioblastoma stem cell proliferation and self-renewal through the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration.
A significant benefit in delaying tumour progression and extending survival was observed when mubritinib was combined with the current standard of care.
They show that mubritinib alleviated tumor hypoxia, resulting in elevated ROS levels and increased DNA damage, thereby sensitizing tumors to ionizing radiation.
Mubritinib has a well-tolerated profile and selectively targets glioblastoma stem cells while sparing normal cells.
https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44321-025-00195-6
