New molecules

Researchers at theInstitut Curie, CNRS and Inserm have developed a new class of molecules capable of causing the death of cancer cells resistant to conventional treatments. This discovery, published in the journal Nature, opens up encouraging prospects for fighting the most aggressive forms of cancer.

Understand Discovery

Some cancer cells, called “persistent” cells, survive conventional treatments and are often responsible for recurrences and metastases. These cells have a high concentration of CD44 protein, which allows them to absorb more iron, making them more aggressive and resistant.
The researchers designed a molecule, fentomycin (Fento-1), which specifically targets these cells by activating the iron they store. This activation triggers a chain reaction, called ferroptose, which damages cell membranes and leads to cell death.

Why could this discovery help children with cancer?

Research could pave the way for new approaches against the most aggressive or tenacious tumors, including in children.
With Marie Notre Étoile, we believe that every scientific advance is a small light of hope. Because what is true today for one type of cancer can, tomorrow, become a track for others. Searching is a long way, but every step counts. Thank you to the researchers, but also to the donors who make this progress possible!

Learn more about this discovery as well as early findings: Read the article on the Nature website