A new study from Johns Hopkins suggests that blocking a key enzyme could help stop cancer cells from growing. The enzyme, called Pol 1, helps cells make ribosomal RNA, which is needed to build proteins. When researchers blocked Pol 1 using a drug, it triggered a stress response in cancer cells that slowed their growth.

The study found this treatment worked especially well in cancers with certain genetic problems, like mismatch repair deficiency (MMRd), which is common in colorectal, stomach, and uterine cancers. In lab tests, a new drug called BOB-42 reduced tumor growth by up to 77% in some cases.

Scientists also discovered that this approach could help the immune system spot cancer cells more easily. They believe combining Pol 1 blockers with immunotherapy may improve treatment results, giving hope to patients with cancers that don’t respond well to current options.

SOURCE:

Medical Press, June 18, 2025