A decades-old leukemia drug, Teniposide, is showing promise as a potential recent tool in cancer immunotherapy, according to research published this week. Scientists at the University of Zaragoza in Spain have discovered that the drug can activate a key protein in the immune system, offering a novel approach to fighting not only leukemia but potentially other cancers as well. This discovery represents a significant step forward in immunotherapy research, a field focused on harnessing the body’s own defenses to combat disease.
The findings, published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Immunology on February 12, 2026, detail how Teniposide, originally developed from a natural product called Podofilotoxina, interacts with the STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) protein. “The antitumoral, when it binds with the STING protein, acts as an alarm system in our cells, activating Interferon, which protects against infections and tumors,” explained Adrián Velázquez Campoy, a professor of Biochemistry at the University of Zaragoza and lead researcher on the project. Interferons are crucial molecules that facilitate the body fight off both infections and cancerous growths, making the activation of STING a promising avenue for new therapies.
Unlocking the STING Pathway
The STING pathway is a critical component of the innate immune system, the body’s first line of defense. When activated, STING triggers the production of interferons and other immune signaling molecules, alerting the immune system to the presence of threats like cancer cells or viruses. Researchers have long sought ways to effectively activate STING to boost the immune response against tumors. The challenge has been finding molecules that can reliably trigger this pathway without causing harmful side effects.
What makes the Teniposide discovery particularly exciting is its ability to activate STING directly, without requiring an intermediary protein called cGAS. Previous methods of STING activation often relied on cGAS, adding complexity and potential for off-target effects. The research team used a virtual screening process, analyzing thousands of already-approved chemical compounds, to identify Teniposide’s unique ability. This virtual screening was followed by laboratory confirmation, demonstrating the drug’s interaction with STING in both human and mouse cells, as reported by Aragón Noticias.
Collaboration and Future Directions
The research was a collaborative effort, involving scientists from multiple institutions. In addition to the University of Zaragoza, researchers from the Universidad CEU San Pablo, the University of Salamanca, and the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York contributed to the study. Estanislao Nistal from the Universidad CEU San Pablo and Claire Coderch too played key roles in coordinating the research. Rubén Martínez Buey of the University of Salamanca and Adolfo García-Sastre of Mount Sinai Hospital also contributed to the findings.
This collaborative approach highlights the growing trend of interdisciplinary research in the fight against cancer. By combining expertise in biochemistry, immunology, and pharmacology, researchers are able to tackle complex challenges and accelerate the development of new therapies. The team believes this discovery not only offers a way to repurpose an existing drug for a new application but also provides a foundation for designing even more effective STING-activating compounds.
Repurposing Existing Drugs: A Faster Path to Treatment
One of the most appealing aspects of this research is the potential to quickly translate these findings into clinical practice. Teniposide is already an approved drug, meaning it has undergone extensive safety testing. Repurposing existing drugs for new indications can significantly shorten the timeline for bringing new treatments to patients, compared to developing entirely new compounds. Here’s particularly important in cancer, where time is often of the essence.
However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and administration schedule for Teniposide in immunotherapy, as well as to identify which types of cancer are most likely to respond to this treatment. Clinical trials will be essential to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Teniposide in cancer patients. Researchers are also exploring ways to modify the drug to enhance its STING-activating properties and minimize potential side effects.
The University of Zaragoza notes that the activation of the STING protein is considered a key element in developing new therapies against infectious diseases and tumors. This research offers a promising new avenue for exploring the potential of immunotherapy in the fight against cancer, potentially leading to more effective and safer treatments for patients in the future. The team is continuing to investigate the mechanisms underlying Teniposide’s effects and exploring its potential in combination with other immunotherapies.
The next steps involve pre-clinical studies to refine the treatment protocol and identify biomarkers that can predict which patients are most likely to benefit from Teniposide-based immunotherapy. Researchers anticipate initiating early-phase clinical trials within the next 18-24 months, pending funding and regulatory approvals.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
