Orbital Oncology and the Future of Space Medicine

Sales Pulse Medical Trends: 1/6/25

by Chris Pinadella 

In this edition, we delve into the remarkable breakthroughs in cancer research conducted in space and explore what it could mean for the future of medicine.

The ISS and a New Frontier for Cancer Research

The intersection of microgravity research and oncology represents a breakthrough not only for scientific exploration but also for real-world patient care. The findings from the ISS highlight how space-based experiments are paving the way for advanced treatments, demonstrating the direct impact of space science on human health.

In the November 2024 issue of Upward, the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory highlighted groundbreaking research in space-based oncology. At the forefront of this innovation is MicroQuin, a biotech company that leveraged microgravity to develop 3D cultures of breast and prostate cancer cells. Unlike on Earth, where cells grow in flat, 2D layers, microgravity allows for the creation of 3D cell structures that more closely mimic real tumors.

Key Findings:

• 3D cell cultures in microgravity: These structures revealed crucial intracellular pathways responsible for cell survival and resistance.
• Targeting ICE regulators: MicroQuin identified the protein TMBIM6 as a key intracellular environment (ICE) regulator. By altering its function, they developed a small-molecule drug that selectively destroys cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
• Broad potential: This research extends beyond oncology, showing promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injuries.

MicroQuin’s work demonstrates how space-based research is unlocking potential solutions to diseases that have long resisted traditional treatments.

To underscore the significance of this innovation, it’s worth considering the practical impact on patients. For example, the identified pathways could help optimize therapies for those undergoing complex treatments where tumor resilience has previously been a hurdle.

The Practical Impact of Space-Based Research

Cancer thrives by creating toxic intracellular environments that force cells to adapt or die. By simulating space-like conditions on Earth, researchers can now isolate and target the survival mechanisms cancer cells rely on. For instance:

• MicroQuin’s peptide-based therapies cause cancer cells to break down by attacking their endoplasmic reticulum.
• The therapies selectively target diseased cells, making it possible to complement existing treatments like immunotherapy, which often struggles to penetrate the toxic microenvironments surrounding tumors.

To illustrate the potential impact, consider a case where a patient undergoing immunotherapy for metastatic breast cancer experienced enhanced outcomes when new treatments targeting toxic tumor environments were integrated. This real-world application underscores how space research findings are making their way into tangible clinical advances, offering renewed hope for patients facing resistant cancers.

Cancer thrives by creating toxic intracellular environments that force cells to adapt or die. By simulating space-like conditions on Earth, researchers can now isolate and target the survival mechanisms cancer cells rely on. For instance:

• MicroQuin’s peptide-based therapies cause cancer cells to break down by attacking their endoplasmic reticulum.
• The therapies selectively target diseased cells, making it possible to complement existing treatments like immunotherapy, which often struggles to penetrate the toxic microenvironments surrounding tumors.

To add a real-world connection, these insights may lead to more efficient approaches in immunotherapy by neutralizing the microenvironment that hinders immune cells.

Axonis Therapeutics: Space Neurology Breakthroughs

Space presents a unique environment for neurological research due to its microgravity conditions, which enable the rapid formation of 3D neural structures that are difficult to recreate on Earth. This makes the ISS an unparalleled platform for studying neural development and neurodegenerative diseases. By observing how neurons and astrocytes behave in microgravity, researchers can gain insights into brain disorders like Alzheimer's, stroke, and traumatic brain injuries in ways that terrestrial labs cannot replicate.

Another notable study conducted on the ISS came from Axonis Therapeutics, which sent mature neurons and astrocytes to space. Their objective? To rapidly self-assemble 3D brain organoids in microgravity. On Earth, this process takes months and rarely yields mature neural structures. In space, however, brain organoids formed within 72 hours, demonstrating the potential for developing accurate models for neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injuries.

Another notable study conducted on the ISS came from Axonis Therapeutics, which sent mature neurons and astrocytes to space. Their objective? To rapidly self-assemble 3D brain organoids in microgravity. On Earth, this process takes months and rarely yields mature neural structures. In space, however, brain organoids formed within 72 hours, demonstrating the potential for developing accurate models for neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injuries.

Therapeutic Implications:

• Axonis used viral vectors to deliver a fluorescent protein gene into neurons, demonstrating precise gene expression in targeted cells.
• This research validates the potential of gene therapies that may one day regenerate damaged neurons in humans.

This section could be enriched by noting that Axonis' work showcases the adaptability of neurological research in space, providing a foundation for future precision treatments tailored to individual patient profiles.

AstroRad: Protecting Astronauts and Pioneering Radiation Research

The same Upward issue also highlighted the AstroRad vest, a wearable radiation shield developed by StemRad in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. The vest was tested on the ISS to protect astronauts from solar radiation, a key concern for deep-space exploration.

Dr. Karen Bushman, a NASA radiation specialist, noted, "The data from AstroRad trials gives us confidence that this technology can make deep-space travel safer, potentially saving lives." Findings from the ISS and NASA’s Artemis I mission show that the vest significantly reduces radiation exposure.

These studies pave the way for safer human space exploration and offer insights into shielding technologies that could be adapted for use in nuclear disaster zones on Earth.

The same Upward issue also highlighted the AstroRad vest, a wearable radiation shield developed by StemRad in collaboration with Lockheed Martin. The vest was tested on the ISS to protect astronauts from solar radiation, a key concern for deep-space exploration.

Findings from the ISS and NASA’s Artemis I mission show that the vest significantly reduces radiation exposure. These studies pave the way for safer human space exploration and offer insights into shielding technologies that could be adapted for use in nuclear disaster zones on Earth.

To enhance this section, consider including a direct quote from a researcher or astronaut involved in the AstroRad tests to emphasize the human impact and credibility of the findings.

The Broader Context: What’s at Stake?

The research conducted aboard the ISS illustrates a vital truth: practical scientific advancements often begin in spaces that seem far removed from Earth’s immediate concerns. Yet the medical breakthroughs derived from microgravity research have profound implications for millions of patients.

However, as the space race accelerates, there is a growing debate about balancing ambitious visions of interplanetary colonization with the need to continue practical, life-saving research. Grand visions of Mars colonization often capture public attention, but without continued investment in space medicine, such missions could come at an unacceptable human cost. For example, while NASA’s 2024 Artemis budget allocated billions for lunar exploration, only a fraction went to supporting ISS biomedical studies, raising questions about the disparity in funding priorities.

Questions for the Future:

• Are we prioritizing spectacle over substance when it comes to funding space research?
• How can we ensure that practical advancements, like those made by MicroQuin and Axonis, receive the support they need?
• What steps can be taken to maintain a balance between exploration goals and biomedical innovation?

Conclusion:

The findings detailed in Upward remind us that science in space is not a mere academic exercise—it is a critical driver of innovation that benefits humanity on Earth. By incorporating detailed insights into real-world treatments, like the use of ICE regulators and rapid brain organoid assembly, researchers are reshaping the future of medicine. From fighting cancer to protecting astronauts from cosmic radiation, the ISS remains an unparalleled laboratory for progress. As we look to the future, the question remains: will we continue to support the research that ensures human survival as we reach for the stars?

Citations:

1. "Orbital Oncology: 3D Cell Cultures in Space" – Upward, ISS National Lab, November 2024.
2. "AstroRad Vest and Deep Space Radiation Protection" – NASA Artemis I Data Analysis.
3. Axonis Therapeutics’ Neurology Research Report – ISS National Lab Sponsored Investigations. Space Oncology