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8h ago

STAT3 Decoy Shows Early Promise in First Cat Cancer Trial, Pointing Toward Human Studies

Investigators are planning further cat studies to confirm biomarkers, with fundraising under way for early human trials.

Jak benefited from a clinical trial of a first of its kind cancer treatment, living for 8 months after an oral cancer diagnosis.
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Scientists developed a promising new treatment for cats with oral cancer.

Overview

  • Results published August 28 in Cancer Cell report that 7 of 20 pet cats with head and neck/oral squamous cell carcinoma achieved disease control using a cyclic STAT3-targeted oligonucleotide.
  • Responders had a median survival of 161 days after treatment start versus 57 days for non-responders, in a cancer where typical survival is 2–3 months.
  • The month-long regimen delivered six intravenous doses and was generally well tolerated, with mild anemia noted as the only potential drug-related side effect.
  • The drug is a stabilized DNA ‘decoy’ that mimics STAT3’s binding sequence to inhibit its activity; analyses also showed increased PD‑1 and shifts in immune-cell markers that may guide patient selection.
  • Researchers highlight companion-animal trials as a translational bridge to human studies, noting the STAT3 DNA target sequence is identical in cats and humans and that a small biotech partner is helping advance next steps.