Using a computer algorithm, researchers have identified a promising new treatment for neuroblastoma-- a form of cancer in children, which occurs in specialised nerve cells in the sympathetic nervous system and may be life-threatening.

In the long term the discovery, published in the journal Nature Communications, may result in a new form of treatment for children in whom the disease is severe or at an advanced stage. "We were astonished when the algorithm came up with completely new ideas for treatment, such as CNR2, that no one has ever discussed in this context. So we decided to investigate this further in the lab," said study researcher Sven Nelander from the Uppsala University in Sweden. According to the researchers, the new treatment is based on activating a receptor protein, CNR2 (cannabinoid receptor 2), in the nervous system.

A highly unusual method enabled this particular protein to be applied therapeutically. Instead of using traditional methods of drug development, this research group has developed a new computer algorithm capable of combining massive quantities of genetic and pharmacological data ('big data') from European and US hospitals and universities. The algorithm then suggested new treatments that could influence the basic mechanisms of the disease.

The new treatments were investigated using cell samples from patients and in animal models, where they proved efficacious, the study said. The cancer cells' survival rate declined, for example, and tumour growth in zebrafish (Danio rerio) decreased, following treatment with a substance that stimulates CNR2. The researchers have also developed the computer algorithm to enable it to be applied to other forms of cancer. "Smart algorithms will be increasingly important in cancer research in the years ahead, since they can help us scientists to find unexpected angles," Nelander said. "Our hope is that this can result in more unexpected treatment options," Nelander added.