Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Indian Scientists Map Cervical Cancer at Molecular Level
Scientists in India have made a big discovery about cervical cancer.
They studied the genes and proteins in cancer cells to find out why some treatments don't work.
They found that some genes change, like EGFR, making the cancer grow faster, and STK11, which normally slows growth, disappearing.
They also discovered that a protein called CSNK2A1 helps the cancer survive.
Using drugs to block this protein slowed the cancer in the lab.
This research could lead to new ways to treat cervical cancer, especially for women whose treatments aren't working.
This is great news because cervical cancer is a serious problem in India.
Indian scientists conducted the first integrative genomic and phosphoproteomic analysis of cervical cancer.
Researchers identified genetic alterations in treatment-resistant tumors, including EGFR gene amplification and STK11 gene loss.
The CSNK2A1 protein was found to be a master switch in resistant tumors, and blocking it with silmitasertib reduced cancer growth.
STX3 protein was identified as a biomarker and patented, garnering national attention.
The research earned the Best Poster Award at ESMO Asia Congress 2024.
- Who
- A team of Indian scientists and clinicians, led by Dr. Prashant Kumar, conducted the research.
- What
- Scientists mapped cervical cancer at a molecular level, identifying key genetic and protein drivers of treatment resistance.
- When
- The study was presented at ESMO Asia Congress 2024.
- Where
- The research was conducted in India, using samples from Bihar.
- Why
- To understand why some cervical cancer patients don't respond to treatment and develop more effective, personalized treatment options.
Current Standard of Care
Potential New Treatments
Treatment Efficacy
Current Standard of Care
Standard treatments may not be effective for all patients.
Potential New Treatments
New research suggests potentially more effective personalized treatments.
- Lead Researcher
- Dr. Prashant Kumar
- Main Focus
- Cervical cancer
- Study Type
- Integrative genomic and phosphoproteomic analysis
- Key Finding
- Identification of EGFR amplification and STK11 loss in resistant tumors
- Protein of Interest
- CSNK2A1 (targeted by silmitasertib)
- Biomarker
- STX3 (patented)
- ESMO Award
- Best Poster Award, ESMO Asia Congress 2024