Chemotherapy, while remaining one of the main methods of fighting cancer, often damages not only malignant formations but also healthy cells. In search of a solution to this problem, Indian researchers have developed an antitumor drug that selectively targets cancer cells, reports infohub.kz.
A group of scientists from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) and the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati worked on the creation of the new agent. IASST is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Science and Technology of India.
Traditional chemotherapy destroys or suppresses the growth of cancer cells using drugs. However, many of them can also damage healthy cells, especially those that divide rapidly. Because of this, treatment can be accompanied by side effects such as hair loss, nausea, weakness, and a decrease in blood cell counts. Therefore, scientists are looking for ways to deliver antitumor drugs directly to the tumor or activate them only there.
The development is named RK-251. Its principle is based on the drug being activated under conditions characteristic of cancer cells. RK-251 remains inactive when it enters the body, and then is activated mainly inside tumor cells. This should reduce damage to healthy tissues.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology of India, in laboratory studies RK-251 has shown the ability to affect cancer cells without damaging healthy ones. This is still an experimental development, not a ready replacement for chemotherapy. Further research will be required to confirm the safety and efficacy of the drug.
Meanwhile, in Kazakhstan, clinical trials of a domestic cancer drug are ongoing. As previously reported by Kursiv Health, the drug is planned to be registered as early as 2027.