A new anti-cancer drug to treat colorectal cancer shows promising results

A drug called as 'PRIMA-1met' was found to inhibit colorectal cancer cells.

We are all aware that smoking tobacco, exposure to radiation and other genetic and environmental factors can cause cancer. But most of these factors are beyond our control, and we can do very little to prevent cancer. In such a situation early diagnosis can stop cancer from aggravating and spreading. And the key to early diagnosis is knowing about its signs and symptoms.

A small molecule drug combined with chemotherapy may effectively treat colorectal cancer patients, says a new study. The researchers demonstrated the efficiency of the drug called 'PRIMA-1met' in inhibiting the growth of colorectal cancer cells. Colorectal cancer is the cancer of the large intestine (colon and rectum) and it is known for its poor long-term survival rates among adults. (Read: Latest research and advances in cancer treatment)

We are optimistic that the development of this drug as a targeted therapeutic approach against colorectal cancer, together with chemotherapy, holds good potential for patients, said lead researcher Chng Wee Joo, professor at National University of Singapore (NUS). In this study, the team found PRIMA-1met to be most effective in killing colorectal cancer cells that contain the mutated p53, a tumour suppressor gene that promotes death of cancer cells. (Read: Can anti-cancer drugs cause cancer?)

Unlike most anti-cancer drugs which works by inducing damage to DNA and often has serious side effects, PRIMA-1met is more favourable as it restores the structure and function of the mutated gene and specifically promotes the death of cancer cells, the researchers said. Moving forward, the researchers plan to test if the combination of this drug, with anticancer drugs such as Fluorouracil and Oxaliplatin, which are commonly used for the treatment of colorectal cancer, will optimise the results of chemotherapy. The study was published online in the journal Oncotarget. (Read: 10 myths about cancer busted!)

Source: IANS

Image Source: Shutterstock

---