Inquirer file photo
Researchers from the RMIT University in Australia and Indian institutions unveiled a gold-based cancer drug with promising potential.
The medication slowed tumor growth in animals by 82 percent. Even better, it targeted cancer cells more effectively than conventional chemotherapy agents.
Distinguished Professor Suresh Bhargava AM, who led the project at RMIT, emphasized that this discovery could lead to safer and more effective cancer treatments.
READ: Talc is ‘probably’ cancer-causing, says WHO agency
How does this gold-based cancer drug work?
#gold based drugs do not attack DNA. #cancertreatment? Neda Mirzadeh @RMIT pitches a gold mine of opportunity for cancer @veskiorg #fastsmarts #MKW19 pic.twitter.com/KQSJOMti0M
— Monash Research Infrastructure (@Monash_MTRP) May 22, 2019
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) explained that their revolutionary cancer drug contains a unique gold compound.
It’s called Gold (I), which the researchers designed to be highly reactive and biologically active. Also, they tailored it to interact with a common cancer cell enzyme called thioredoxin reductase.
READ: Seven-year-old girl with cancer under the care of Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation calls for help
The gold compound blocks this protein, shutting down cancer cells before they can multiply or develop drug resistance.
Bhargava said this highly targeted approach minimizes the toxic side effects seen in the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
“Their selectivity in targeting cancer cells, combined with reduced systemic toxicity…,” he said.
“…points to a future where treatments are more effective and far less harmful,” the project lead added.
Gold (I) is also more stable than those from earlier studies. Consequently, the cancer drug can remain intact while reaching the tumor site.
Gold Treatment
Project co-lead at RMIT, Distinguished Professor Magdalena Plebanski, explained another reason why the golden treatment is effective.
In zebrafish studies, it stopped the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. This effect is known as anti-angiogenesis, and this gold compound was the first with this property.
As a result, these characteristics make it highly effective against various cancer cells. For example, it might treat ovarian cancer cells, which can develop cisplatin resistance.
“Seeing our gold compound have such strong efficacy against tough-to-treat ovarian cancer cells is an important step toward addressing recurrent cancers and metastases,” stated Plebanski.
However, Bhargava reiterated that “human trials are still a way off.” Nevertheless, he and the research team “are really encouraged by these results.”
The cancer drug’s Gold (I) gained US Patent protection, preparing it for further development toward potential clinical applications.