Scientists have developed a new anti-cancer stem cell agent capable of targeting aggressive tumour forming cells common to breast, pancreas, colon and prostate cancers.
The new compound, known as OH14, is capable of eradicating a number of different kinds of cancer cells, including cancer stem cells from breast cancer biopsies.
Last January, the same research team from Cardiff University in Wales identified an anti-cancer agent capable of deactivating a gene known to be essential for the metastatic spread of breast cancer.
Using similar methods, the team has now been able to target and switch off a protein, known as the c-FLIP protein, which is essential in cancer stem cell growth. The c-FLIP protein is a complex biological molecule that stops the body’s immune system from killing off damaged or cancerous cells.
“Our computer-aided drug screening process has now identified two new classes of anti-cancer agents, specifically targeting two distinct and novel mechanisms underpinning cancer,” said Dr Andrea Brancale from Cardiff University’s School of Pharmacy, who led on the compound’s design.
Although the breakthrough must still go through comprehensive human clinical trials, which means the compound is still many years away from becoming available, researchers hope that OH14 will lead the way in making tumour cells and cancer stem cells more vulnerable to existing drug-based therapies and prevent new growth after treatment.
