New 'smart cancer drug' designed to 'switch on' may replace chemotherapy, says govt
The government said the ‘smart’ cancer drug has been designed to switch on and work only inside cancer cells, sparing the healthy cells from damage.
The Indian government announced a breakthrough smart cancer drug that may replace traditional chemotherapy, which often damages healthy cells along with cancer cells. The 'smart' drug, named RK-251, is designed to activate only within cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. This innovative approach aims to address the adverse effects and side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy, such as harm to normal tissues.
The drug was developed through collaborative research led by Dr Asis Bala from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology and Dr KP Bhabak of Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati. In preclinical studies, RK-251 showed strong activity against aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy cells.
The drug's mechanism involves cancer cells producing high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which trigger the drug's activation and release a potent anticancer compound called NBDHEX. This compound effectively blocks proteins that help cancer cells survive and resist treatment. Early studies in zebrafish embryos showed no obvious toxicity signs, suggesting potential safety for further research and validation.
However, more studies are needed before the technology can be tested in patients. India is grappling with a growing pressure due to the increasing number of cancer cases, with over 1.4 million new cases and more than 700,000 deaths recorded annually. The most common types include breast, oral cavity, lung, cervical, and colorectal cancers, often attributed to lifestyle, food habits, and tobacco use.
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