Progress in the fight against cancer is evident.
According to research published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, scientists from Ewha Womens University in Seoul, South Korea have developed a potent chemical compound capable of eradicating tumor cells.
The highly promising cancer-fighting drug was developed by manipulating calcium levels within the cells, which is considered to be the key to an “anti-tumor” formula.
Normally, an excessive influx of calcium ions can be detrimental and can stifle essential components of healthy cellular structure such as mitochondria, known as the cell’s powerhouse.
However, scientists have now found a way to utilize this harmful over-influx to repel and eliminate tumor cells in the body through what they term as a “calcium storm.”
A new drug might become a game changer for cancer treatment. vitanovski – stock.adobe.com
It was also discovered that exposing the new drug to infrared light would facilitate the “calcium storm.”
The injectable formula was tested on mice with tumors, using specially modified silica beads that posed no harm to the rodents.
Once it entered their bloodstream, the researchers were able to confirm that the drug effectively reached the tumor and was activated in the presence of infrared light.
Remarkably, within a few days, the tumors vanished.
Tests in mice showed promise in the new drug’s tumor destroying capabilities. Angewandte Chemie
Now, the research team is hopeful that this formula can also be applied to advance biomedical research.
The announcement comes following the introduction of a new, machine learning-powered method for accurately screening ovarian cancer.
