Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
21 February 2014 09:50
Clinical trials were carried out in vivo as well as in vitro
A new drug which selectively kills dormant cancer cells has been tested by scientists.
The molecule works by inducing dysfunction in mitochondria - the powerhouse of cells.
The research, conducted by Prof Stig Linder of the Swedish Karolinska Instituet and Uppsala University, found that a small molecule named VLX600 has been proven ineffective in killing dormant colon cancer cells in a variety of models, including in clinical trials and in test subjects with the medical condition.
Experts say that in solid tumours larger than a few millimetres, a lack of oxygen and nutrients is common as a result of insufficient growth in the blood vessels. This can cause cancer cells to remain dormant - and even after they receive treatment, they can divide, causing tumours to grow. This process helps cancers resist radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The study shows that in these tumour areas that lack oxygen and nutrition, there is a lack of mitochondrial energy production for which the cancer cells cannot compensate. The researchers said: "Our ?ndings suggest that tumour cells in nutritionally compromised microenvironments are sensitive to disturbances of mitochondrial function, resulting in a bioenergetic catastrophe."
The VLX600 molecule was found to cause this dysfunction in mitochondria, causing colon cancer cells to die. When the substance was tested on colon cancer cell lines in vivo, it suppressed tumour growth. The molecule also helped boost other anti-cancer drugs, such as irinotecan.
The study leaders said: "Our ?ndings suggest that tumour cells in metabolically compromised microenvironments have a limited ability to respond to decreased mitochondrial function, and suggest a strategy for targeting the quiescent populations of tumour cells for improved cancer treatment."
People can find more information about travel insurance for cancer patients here.
22 June 2018
The number of older people diagnosed with cancer is set to increase dramatically over the next 20 years, according to experts.
[more...]
21 June 2018
Patients value their relationship with a GP more importantly than surgery opening times, according to new research.
Only 3% of patients with the most common type of pancreatic cancer are living more than five years after being diagnosed, new analysis has shown.
19 June 2018
An England fan has urged supporters back home to head to Russia and experience the warm welcome he's been enjoying from locals.
14 June 2018
A new, low-cost portable device to help protect communities in Columbia from contaminated water has been developed by British engineers.
12 June 2018
As we near the opening match of football's grandest celebration on Thursday, fans are beginning to arrive in enthusiastic droves in Moscow.
09 June 2018
Scientists are trialling blood tests to find out the risk expecting mothers have of delivering prematurely.
08 June 2018
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned holiday-goers that some commonly-prescribed medicines are "controlled drugs" in certain countries.
A new lung cancer drug which is said to stretch life expectancy by a year is being introduced to the NHS.
06 June 2018
As pollen counts hit their highest level this week, hay fever sufferers are likely to suffer.
05 June 2018
Care home demanded to make improvements amid "serious concerns"
30 May 2018
Academics have announced their plans to examine suicide risk in men, as well as the ways to reduce it.