Hope for Brain Cancer Treatment with a Cholesterol Drug

Students from Izmir University of Economics (IUE), Başak Şen, Helin Dönmez, and Yaren Şahin, were awarded at TEKNOFEST 2026 for their research into the treatment of brain cancer, a condition typically seen in individuals over 70 years old. Investigating whether a drug used to lower cholesterol could also be effective in treating brain cancer, the students reached promising initial findings and won the ‘Best Poster Award’ in the 3T in Oncology Competition held within the scope of TEKNOFEST.

The ‘GlioGenesis’ team-consisting of master's students Başak Şen and Helin Dönmez from the IUE Bioengineering Graduate Program and undergraduate student Yaren Şahin from the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering-conducted their work under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Yağmur Kiraz Durmaz. Spending a detailed preparation period of approximately 10 months for the competition, the young researchers focused on ‘glioblastoma’, one of the most aggressive types of brain cancer.

“GROWTH RATE OF CANCER CELLS DECREASED”

Starting with the idea that existing drugs used to treat other diseases could also be repurposed for brain cancer, the team first identified drugs that could be effective across different tumor types using computer analysis. The students then tested various drugs through laboratory experiments. The study revealed that a particular cholesterol drug reduced the proliferation of cancer cells and increased cell death. Presenting their study in full detail to the jury at the competition, the GlioGenesis team brought the ‘Best Poster Award’ to Izmir, experiencing great pride and happiness.

“WE WORKED TIRELESSLY AND WITHOUT GIVING UP”

Expressing their joy at winning the award, Başak Şen, Helin Dönmez, and Yaren Şahin said: “We worked for months with great effort, patience, and excitement. Knowing that the long hours spent in the lab and the relentless work paid off with such a meaningful award makes us extremely happy. Our greatest motivation was the hope that our study might one day shed light on research contributing to brain cancer treatment. We believed we would win an award; we felt this success coming. In the end, we achieved our goal. Moving forward, we want to continue developing our research.”

“WE CONDUCTED A COMPREHENSIVE PROCESS”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Yağmur Kiraz Durmaz, faculty member at the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering and Vice Director of the IUE Graduate School, noted that the study presents an important research approach based on the repurposing of existing drugs for different diseases. She stated: “Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of brain cancer that is very difficult to treat. Therefore, exploring alternative uses for existing drugs is of great scientific importance. Our students conducted a comprehensive process ranging from computational analysis to laboratory experiments. The initial results show that the drug we are studying can reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. Having this study awarded at such an important platform as TEKNOFEST is truly valuable in demonstrating our students' approach to scientific research and the effort they put in. We express our gratitude to the T3 Foundation, the Health for Life Foundation (Cansağlığı Vakfı), and all stakeholders who contributed to realizing such an important event that contributes significantly to the development of young people.”