Scientists at City of Hope have spent two decades developing AOH1996, a groundbreaking cancer treatment that targets a unique protein variant found in multiple tumor types. Unlike many existing therapies that focus on a single pathway, this drug disrupts a key mechanism cancer cells rely on for growth, potentially reducing the chances of drug resistance. In lab tests, AOH1996 successfully induced cancer cell death without harming healthy stem cells, showing effectiveness against breast, lung, ovarian, brain, and other cancers.
Researchers believe the drug could be used alone or in combination with traditional chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes. Early results suggest it increases cancer cells’ vulnerability to DNA-damaging agents like cisplatin. Currently in phase 1 clinical trials, AOH1996 represents a major step toward a universal cancer therapy. If successful, it could transform cancer treatment and offer new hope for millions of patients worldwide.