A groundbreaking study in the journal Science identified a new form of cell death called triaptose as early as 2024, which has the potential to change the fight against cancer in the long term. A research team led by Associate Professor Lin-Lin Bu from Wuhan University School and Hospital of Stomatology has now published a comprehensive review in the journal Research, paving the way for future therapies.

Cancer remains one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare worldwide, despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Treatments often fail on resistant tumor cells that escape conventional cell death mechanisms. The discovery of new immunogenic cell death forms such as pyroptosis, ferroptosis and now triaptosis offers new approaches. Triaptosis is triggered by menadione, a precursor of vitamin K, which oxidizes the kinase PIK3C3/VPS34 as a prooxidant. This disrupts endosome function, leads to vacuole accumulation and ultimately to the rupture of the plasma membrane, killing tumor cells – a process that differs from previously known pathways.

In mouse models of prostate cancer, oral administration of menadione demonstrated better tumor control than standard therapies, accompanied by a favorable safety profile. Triaptosis exploits a weak point of many cancer cells, their dependence on the endomembrane transport system, and could also support immunotherapy by converting “cold” tumors into “hot” ones, for example through synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

The review describes the molecular mechanism of triaptosis, its signaling cascade and the role of oxidative stress in carcinogenesis. Future research will focus on the development of new drugs and intelligent delivery systems to increase precision and effectiveness. Interactions with other forms of cell death could also lead to combined therapies against resistance. Initial evidence suggests that menadione may also be effective in non-oncological diseases, expanding the potential of triaptosis beyond the cancer field.

The discovery deepens the understanding of biological processes and could become a promising therapeutic option for patients who do not respond to existing treatments. The hope is that this innovation will soon make the leap from research to clinical practice and open up new perspectives for oncology.

Original Paper:

Triaptosis and Cancer: Next Hope? | Research

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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