A "cancer-killing pill" has appeared to "annihilate" solid tumours in early research - leaving healthy cells unaffected.
The new drug has been in development for 20 years, and is now undergoing pre-clinical research in the US.
Known as AOH1996, it targets a cancerous variant of a protein called proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).
In its mutated form, PCNA is "critical" in the replication of DNA, and the repair of all "expanding tumours".
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AOH1996 is being worked on by City of Hope, one of America's largest cancer research and treatment organisations.
Professor Linda Malkas, who has been developing the drug, explained: "PCNA is like a major airline terminal hub containing multiple plane gates.
"Data suggests PCNA is uniquely altered in cancer cells, and this fact allowed us to design a drug that targeted only the form of PCNA in cancer cells.
"Our cancer-killing pill is like a snowstorm that closes a key airline hub, shutting down all flights in and out only in planes carrying cancer cells."
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While initial results are promising, the research so far has only concluded that AOH1996 can suppress tumour growth in cell and animal models - with the first phase of a clinical trial in humans now under way.
The pill has been shown to be effective in treating cells derived from breast, prostate, brain, ovarian, cervical, skin and lung cancers.
PCNA had previously been labelled as "undruggable" - and it is hoped the breakthrough could lead to more personalised, targeted medicines for cancer in the future.
propolizer on August 3rd, 2023 at 14:57 UTC »
May these be some of the last heartaches.
Familiar_Paramedic_2 on August 3rd, 2023 at 14:33 UTC »
I am 32 with a nasty family history of colon cancer. Whenever I see stuff like this I think to myself, 'if I can hold off cancer for 20 years, I might be in the clear when it comes'.
However I am sure this is exactly what people thought 20 years ago.
Edit: After reading all these comments I have scheduled an appointment with a new doctor next week to get a screening done. Thanks everyone who reminded me how important this is.
_quickdrawmcgraw_ on August 3rd, 2023 at 14:02 UTC »
Anyone in this thread posting about how this may treat your cancer: I am so happy for you and hope this is proven to be effective soon. The FDA has the ability to give Breakthrough designation to promising new therapies.
However, the research of a new drug/treatment/device requires willing and compliant research participants. If you have late stage cancer, asking your doctor about potential available research trials can help contribute to the sum of human knowledge and speed up the research and approval of life saving therapies for your disease.
Check out clinicaltrials.gov and you can search available trials and research sites that run them.