Tata Institute doctors claim new drug offers hope for cancer treatment

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Feb 28, 2024: Doctors and researchers at Tata Institute in Mumbai have developed a treatment, claiming that it could prevent cancer from occurring again.

This innovative tablet, which results from extensive research and testing over a decade, is believed to not only prevent cancer recurrence but also reduce side effects associated with treatments like radiation and chemotherapy by 50%. The results are from trials conducted on mice, which share a significant portion of their genes with humans.

 

Dr Rajendra Badve, a senior cancer surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital and part of the research group, explained the process behind the discovery.

"Human cancer cells were inserted in rats for the research, which formed a tumour in them. The rats were then treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. It was found that when these cancer cells die, they break into tiny pieces called chromatin particles. These particles can travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and when they enter healthy cells, they can turn them cancerous," Dr Badve told NDTV.

In response to this problem, the researchers administered pro-oxidant tablets containing resveratrol and copper (R+Cu) to the rats. The R+Cu tablets generate oxygen radicals, effectively destroying chromatin particles.

When taken orally, these tablets release oxygen radicals in the stomach, quickly entering the bloodstream. This process prevents the release of cell-free chromatin particles in circulation and inhibits the movement of cancer cells, a process called metastases.

The researchers also claim that R+Cu tablets mitigate the toxicity associated with chemotherapy.

This discovery, referred to as the "Magic of R+Cu," is expected to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment therapy by approximately 50% and demonstrate 30% efficacy in preventing cancer recurrence.

The tablet is anticipated to be effective against cancers affecting the pancreas, lungs, and oral regions.

The doctors are currently awaiting the approval of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Once approved, the tablet is expected to be available in the market by June-July.

If the tablet gets approved, its cost will be quite less, Dr Badve said. He added that "compared to the lakhs and crores spent on the development, the tablet could be less than Rs 100."

While the tablet’s impact on side effects has been tested on both rats and humans, prevention tests have been conducted only on rats.

Human trials are expected to take not less than five years to complete. "There were challenges during the research, many felt it was a waste of time and money. But today, everyone is happy and excited. It is a big success," he said.

Courtesy: India Today