UQ Researchers Develop World-First Skin Cancer Treatment
University of Queensland (UQ) researchers are advancing the development of a groundbreaking topical cream designed to prevent and treat skin cancers in organ transplant patients. With $344,000 in funding from the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation, the project is moving into pre-clinical development.
The treatment, containing a novel drug discovered through UQ’s Frazer Institute in collaboration with UniQuest’s QEDDI (small molecule drug discovery initiative), represents a major step forward in addressing a critical health issue. According to Associate Professor James Wells of UQ’s Frazer Institute, this is the only drug of its kind with the potential to both prevent the onset of skin cancer and treat its early stages.
Addressing a High-Risk Patient Population
Organ transplant patients face a heightened risk of skin cancer due to the immunosuppressive drugs required to prevent organ rejection. These medications increase vulnerability to conditions like squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and Kaposi’s Sarcoma.
“There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for SCCs in transplant patients,” said Dr. Wells. “This leaves patients reliant on frequent medical check-ups and surgical removals throughout their lives until a cancer advances or metastasizes. For many, this situation offers limited options while risking organ rejection.”
The topical cream aims to provide a non-invasive solution, filling this critical treatment gap. Dr. Wells emphasized the life-changing potential of the drug, particularly for patients who currently have few alternatives. The research team is also working to evaluate the cream’s skin absorption capabilities and prepare for larger-scale manufacturing to support future clinical trials.
Patents Filed and Future Prospects
UniQuest CEO Dr. Dean Moss highlighted the significance of this innovation, describing it as a transformative development for organ transplant recipients. “A first-of-its-kind treatment like this could make a remarkable difference in the quality of life for patients,” Dr. Moss stated.
UniQuest has already filed a patent for the drug, signaling its potential for commercialization and global impact. As the cream progresses through pre-clinical development, it promises to address an unmet need for safer, more effective skin cancer treatments tailored specifically to vulnerable transplant patients.
This pioneering work from UQ researchers brings the medical community one step closer to a topical solution that could prevent skin cancers and reduce the burden of invasive interventions for at-risk populations.
