By Kate West
Scientists at the University of Auckland have discovered a new treatment that could alleviate the negative side effects of cancer treatment. The anti-cancer stealth drug is the first of its kind in the industry and has already shown impressive results.
The PR610 enzyme is the second of the university's discoveries to be targeted for further clinical development through a joint venture with two top pharmaceutical companies: Proacta Inc, which was first started at Auckland University and now operating out of San Diego, and Yakult Honsha Co from Japan.
Tests conducted on the enzymes and cancer cells at the university have already shown positive results. The new formula has already outperformed previous trials at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC) with their new more effective, potent and selective strain.
Professor Bill Denny Co-Director of ACSRA, told 3 News the key to preventing the side affects of chemotherapy is to make the treatment only target cancerous cells.
"The main idea behind the drug is that it doesn't damage non-cancer cells, so if successful it could reduce some of the negative side affects associated with cancer treatment."
Mr Denny says one of the main differences between tumour and regular cells is that tumour cells have a poor blood supply and lower oxygen content.
"The enzymes we've found use this to target cancer cells, they release a toxic substance in low oxygen conditions which attacks and shuts them down, "he says.
"The novel way this works means that non-cancer cells such as bone marrow would not be damaged as is common in present treatment."
Chief executive of Auckland's Cancer Society John Loof says the drug development is exciting.
"We're doing everything we can to support new drug discoveries, it's good for New Zealand science as well as cancer research and its great to see home-grown development."
The new drug has so far been targeted for clinical development in resistant lung cancer but further research hopes to see it tested against gastric, breast and pancreatic cancer.
Prof Denny says that despite the uncertainties surrounding new cancer treatments, it may be a step in the right direction.
"We're not going to get any further without pushing the boundaries."
3 News