New Drug Therapy Attacks Cancers

A new targeted drug therapy developed at The Institute of Cancer Research is showing positive results in killing tumour cells of some common cancers in the laboratory, according to a study published in Clinical Cancer Research today (July 1).

The pre-clinical study, funded by Cancer Research UK, revealed the new drug therapy had the ability to kill melanoma, breast and colon carcinoma models.

Lead investigator, Professor Caroline Springer said: “In the case of breast cancer models, the drug therapy proved effective in significantly reducing tumour size in an aggressive type of breast cancer.”

Researchers used modified Salmonella* bacteria that target and survive in tumours. When combined with a prodrug, the therapy results in the death of the tumour cells.

“The modified Salmonella produce a foreign enzyme in the tumour. Once the enzyme has accumulated at the tumour site, a non-toxic prodrug is administered. The foreign enzyme converts the prodrug to a drug that is toxic, thereby killing the cancer cells,” Prof. Springer said.

“It’s the first time this therapy has proved successful in killing melanoma, breast and bowel cancer models.”

The published results show that three different prodrugs, designed and synthesised by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, are all effective in reducing the size of the melanoma, breast and colon carcinoma tumour models.

Source:

1. New Drug Therapy Attacks Cancers