This new drug could make cancer history - The immune system finds and destroys it by itself

Researchers at Ruhr University (Bochum) have created a new drug based on gallium that triggers a special mechanism for destroying cancer cells.

BAKU.WS reports that the results of the work have been published in the "Journal of Medicinal Chemistry" (JMC).

It has been reported that the drug penetrates the cell and creates strong oxidative stress in the endoplasmic reticulum. This is a system of tubes and cavities that penetrate the semi-liquid composition of the cell.

As a result of this effect, a rare process called immunogenic cell death begins: the cell not only breaks down but also sends "danger signals" to the immune system. Thus, the immune system can learn to recognize and destroy cancer cells throughout the body, including metastases.

Currently, the substance has been successfully tested on cervical cancer cell lines. The next stage is to create a targeted delivery system that activates the drug only in tumor tissue while protecting healthy tissues. For this purpose, scientists are considering methods of on-site activation with ultrasound or light in the damaged area.

Researchers report that if efficacy and safety are confirmed in clinical trials, this approach could lead to the creation of a completely new class of anti-cancer drugs. Such drugs will not only destroy the tumor but also "train" the patient's immune system to recognize and attack malignant cells, which could reduce the risk of recurrence.

At the same time, scientists emphasize that the possibility of targeted delivery in humans, safe and effective activation methods for deeply located tumors still need to be proven. Moreover, the microenvironment of a real tumor in the body is more complex than laboratory conditions, so the expected immune response remains an open question.