Atovaquone and selinexor as a novel combination treatment option in acute myeloid leukemia
Recent Publication
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia, which mainly affects older people. The disease exhibits great genetic variability, which influences the chances of successful treatment. A decisive factor here is the protein STAT3, the dysregulation of which is associated with a poor prognosis. Two isoforms of STAT3 play a role: STAT3α promotes the disease, while STAT3β is associated with a more favorable course. A study by Stefanie Weiß from the Department of Pharmacology showed that the drugs atovaquone and selinexor shift the ratio in favor of STAT3β and thus weaken AML cells. In combination, the two substances increase their effect, reduce the number of leukemia cells in vivo and prolong survival in a mouse model.
Weiss, S., Zdársky, B., Witalisz-Siepracka, A., Edtmayer, S., Holzer, A., Heindl, K., Casanova, E., Podar, K., & Stoiber, D. (2025). Atovaquone and selinexor as a novel combination treatment option in acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Letters, 613, 217501. Article 217501. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2025.217501
Bernhard Zdársky PhD
Scientific Staff (PostDoc), Works Council
Department of Pharmacology
Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka PhD
Scientific Staff (PostDoc)
Department of Pharmacology
Sophie Rosa Edtmayer MSc PhD
Scientific Staff (PostDoc)
Department of Pharmacology
OA Univ.-Prof. Mag. DDr. Klaus Podar
Head of
Department of Molecular Oncology and Hematology, Division of Internal Medicine 2 (University Hospital Krems)
Univ.-Prof. PD MMag. Dr. Dagmar Stoiber-Sakaguchi
Head of
Department of Pharmacology