Researchers in Japan are working to develop an inhalable powder as a new form of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma. The inhalable powder is a form of gene therapy containing tumor suppression drugs SFD-p16 and SFD-p53 which contain the tumor suppressing gene p16INK4a, or p53.

The current study utilized implanted tumors in mice with significant results. Researchers observed tumor growth suppression within 24 hours after administration of the drug using luminescence imaging, on day 7 tumor volume had significantly decreased.

The researcher’s goal is to develop a noninvasive treatment option that patients will be able to self-administer.

You can read the full study on nature.com