In a groundbreaking study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers have unveiled a potential game-changer in the treatment of head and throat cancers. The findings suggest that the common local anesthetic, lidocaine, when injected near the tumor site, may significantly enhance patient outcomes. Co-lead researcher Ryan Carey emphasized the safety, familiarity, and accessibility of lidocaine, making it a viable candidate for integration into various aspects of head and neck cancer care.
The study builds upon previous research from 2022, where scientists at Penn identified the presence of “bitter taste receptors” (T2Rs) in head and neck cancers. Activating these receptors with bitter compounds was shown to induce cellular death, correlating with improved patient outcomes. Now, the latest research reveals that lidocaine can activate a specific bitter taste receptor, T2R14, found in abundance in many cancer cells, ultimately leading to cell death.
Speaking as a head and neck surgeon, we use lidocaine all the time. We know lidocaine is safe, we’re comfortable using it, and it’s readily available, which means it could be incorporated into other aspects of head and neck cancer care fairly seamlessly.
Ryan Carey, co-lead researcher at University of Pennsylvania
Lidocaine’s potential benefits for cancer patients were previously acknowledged, although the exact mechanisms were unclear. The recent study not only establishes lidocaine’s role in activating T2R14 to induce cell death but also identifies two key mechanisms facilitating this activation: mitochondrial calcium ion overload and proteasome inhibition.
While we’re not suggesting that lidocaine could cure cancer, we’re galvanized by the possibility that it could get an edge on head and neck cancer treatment and move the dial forward in terms of improving treatment options for patients with this challenging form of cancer.
Ryan Carey, co-lead researcher at University of Pennsylvania
This newfound understanding of the process opens avenues for further research, potentially leading to innovative cancer treatments. Clinical trials may be on the horizon, exploring the administration of lidocaine alongside standard cancer therapies. The study’s findings offer hope for a more effective approach to managing head and throat cancers, emphasizing the potential impact of a widely used anaesthetic in the realm of cancer care.
