This approach uses specifically designed compounds to eliminate KRAS proteins, a family of proteins often mutated in various cancers, including lung, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. These small molecules function by inducing the degradation of KRAS, thereby inhibiting their activity and potentially halting cancer progression. For example, by binding to both a specific KRAS protein and components of the cellular degradation machinery, these degraders effectively mark the protein for destruction, preventing its role in uncontrolled cell growth.
Historically, KRAS mutations have been considered “undruggable” due to their smooth, spherical shape, which makes it challenging to design drugs that bind effectively. This new strategy represents a significant advancement in cancer therapy, offering a potential solution for cancers driven by these historically intractable mutations. The ability to specifically degrade rather than simply inhibit KRAS offers a promising new avenue for treatment, potentially impacting a significant number of cancer patients.
