New Drug Unleashes “Calcium Storm” to Blast Away Tumors – A team of researchers led by Dr. Juyoung Yoon has developed a new drug that kills tumor cells by triggering a deadly calcium storm inside the cell[1].
The drug modulates the calcium influx into the cell, causing calcium to build up and choke the tumor to death.
The drug does not require an external calcium source because it uses only the calcium ions already present in the cell.
The researchers targeted two channels, one in the outer membrane and the other in the endoplasmic reticulum, a cell organelle that also stores calcium ions.
The drug was successful in destroying tumor cells in mice that received the preparation.
The drug may also be useful in related biomedical fields. Here is what to know;
- The drug triggers a deadly influx of calcium ions into tumor cells, disrupting their internal processes and leading to cell death.
- The drug targets two calcium channels: one in the outer membrane activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and one in the endoplasmic reticulum activated by nitric oxide.
- Indocyanine green dye, activated by near-infrared light, generates ROS for outer membrane channel opening. Heat from the light also activates BNN-6, releasing nitric oxide to open the endoplasmic reticulum channel.
Efficacy and Benefits:
- Tumor-specific Delivery: The drug is loaded into tiny silica beads that target and accumulate in tumor tissue, minimizing harm to healthy cells.
- Successful Mouse Trials: Tumor regression was observed in mice after drug injection and near-infrared light exposure.
- Broader Potential: The “ion influx” approach could be adapted to target other channels, potentially leading to new cancer therapies.
Significance:
- Potential breakthrough in cancer treatment: This novel drug offers a targeted and effective approach to killing tumor cells.
- Exploiting a tumor vulnerability: The drug leverages the delicate calcium balance within cancer cells to their own detriment.
- Minimized side effects: Targeting tumors specifically reduces harm to healthy tissue compared to conventional treatments.
Any potential side effects of the drug
The potential side effects of the new drug are not explicitly mentioned in the study results. However, it is important to note that most drugs can cause a range of side effects, which can vary from minor issues like upset stomach, dry mouth, and drowsiness to more serious effects such as heart problems, allergic reactions, or organ damage. The specific side effects of the new drug that triggers a deadly calcium storm inside tumor cells would likely be determined through clinical trials and post-market surveillance. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for detailed information on the potential side effects of any specific medication.
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