Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print MIT researchers see alternative to common colorectal cancer drug

MIT researchers see alternative to common colorectal cancer drug

June 18, 2008

A compound that accumulates in cells more readily than a commonly used colorectal cancer drug may be just as useful in treating colorectal tumors, but with fewer side effects, MIT researchers have found.

Both compounds are analogues of cisplatin, a potent anticancer agent, but the newly investigated compound, known as cDPCP, may better target colorectal cells, potentially sparing other body tissues from damage.




"This compound, the antitumor properties of which were established in mice over 20 years ago, emerged in our search for platinum anticancer drug candidates with cellular uptake properties analogous or superior to those of oxaliplatin," said Stephen Lippard, the Arthur Amos Noyes Professor of Chemistry at MIT and senior author of a paper on the work appearing in the June 16 online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

cDPCP could become an alternative to oxaliplatin, which was approved by the FDA in 2004 and is usually the first therapeutic line of defense against colorectal cancer. More than 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year, making it the fifth most common cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Oxaliplatin and cisplatin fight tumors by entering the cell nucleus and binding to DNA, damaging it and inducing cell death, said Ryan Todd, a graduate student in chemistry and co-lead author of the paper.

cDPCP kills cells in a similar way. However, the key difference is that while oxaliplatin and cisplatin can enter almost any cell, causing harmful side effects, cDPCP requires the assistance of organic cation transporters (OCTs) embedded in the cell membrane.

That help is required because cDPCP is a positively charged molecule. Working with cultured human cells, the researchers found that cDPCP engages the assistance of OCT1 and OCT2, which are present in the colon. Thus, cDPCP could be specifically targeted to colorectal tumors.

"cDPCP may affect other cells in the body, but there could be greater targeting of colorectal cancer cells because of uptake by the transporters," said graduate student Katherine Lovejoy, co-lead author of the paper.

cDPCP's anticancer activity was first observed in mice 20 years ago, but it was never tested in humans, in part because it was not expected to readily cross cell membranes.

Researchers in Lippard's lab, working with other cancer researchers at MIT, have started studying the effectiveness of cDPCP in mice expressing human colorectal tumors, and they also hope to launch clinical trials in humans.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology



Related Colorectal Cancer Current Events and Colorectal Cancer News Articles Colorectal Cancer Current Events and Colorectal Cancer News RSS Colorectal Cancer Current Events and Colorectal Cancer News RSS
Colon cancer screening more effective earlier in day, UCLA study finds
The effectiveness of a screening colonoscopy may depend on the time of day it is performed. According to a new UCLA study, early-morning colonoscopies yielded more polyps per patient than later screenings, and fewer polyps were found hour by hour as the day progressed.

1 disease, not 1 demographic
The Asian continent has nearly four billion people living in 47 different countries, and each of these groups has their own unique set of health issues. But when they come to the United States, they're often lumped into one large demographic: "Asian/Pacific Islander."

Study shows unsedated colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening well accepted by patients
Researchers from Taiwan report in a new study that unsedated colonoscopy for primary colorectal cancer screening is well accepted in a majority of patients.

M. D. Anderson redefines screening guidelines for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers
Drawing on years of experience in cancer research and patient care, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center released today the most comprehensive, risk-based screening guidelines publicly available to date for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.

The bowels of infection
Current research suggests that latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The related report by Onyeagocha et al, "Latent cytomegalovirus infection exacerbates experimental colitis," appears in the November 2009 issue of The American Journal of Pathology.

How to Lower Costs, Waiting Times for Colonoscopies
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, leading to over 50,000 fatalities every year.

Excess body weight causes over 124,000 new cancers a year in Europe
At least 124,000 new cancers in 2008 in Europe may have been caused by excess body weight, according to estimates from a new modelling study.

Adding cetuximab to chemotherapy reduces advanced lung cancer death risk by 13 percent
Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who are given cetuximab (Erbitux) in addition to chemotherapy are 13% less likely to die than those who receive chemotherapy alone, regardless of which chemotherapy drug cocktail is used, new research finds. They also experience slower disease progression and an increased chance of tumour shrinkage.

New blood tests promise simple, cost-effective diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers
Promising results from two new blood tests that can aid in the early identification of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers will be presented at Europe's largest cancer congress.

University of Hawaii at Manoa CRCH scientists report adulthood body size associated with cancer risk
A team of scientists led by researcher Brenda Hernandez, Ph.D., M.P.H.-an assistant professor at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa's Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i-has reported that body mass in younger and older adulthood, and weight gain between these life periods, may influence a man's risk for prostate cancer.
More Colorectal Cancer Current Events and Colorectal Cancer News Articles
American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer

American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer
by American Cancer Society (Author)

Don't die of embarrassment--get informed about colorectal cancer

Although colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women, you may be unaware of your risk and don't know what you can do to prevent this serious disease. You may be too embarrassed to ask your doctor about changes in your bowel habits or get screened for colorectal cancer. American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer provides sound information and support if you are concerned about or diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Written by experts in oncology, nursing, research, and colorectal cancer care, the up-to-date, evidence-based text explores every aspect of colorectal cancer, from physical to emotional aspects of the disease, including:

What colorectal...

Be a Survivor: Colorectal Cancer Treatment Guide

Be a Survivor: Colorectal Cancer Treatment Guide
by Vladimir Lange (Author)

Dr. Lange’s comprehensive overview of cancer and treatment options offers detailed information using simple, concise language and a wide variety of color photos and drawings. Colorectal cancer patients need to know more about their disease, yet there is an overload of information. Be a Survivor gives the patient the specific, reliable and necessary information to make good decisions about their cancer and treatment options. Annually, 150,000 Americans are told they have colorectal cancer, making it one of the top three most common cancers in the United States. Diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is treatable, often curable, and vey preventable. This resource covers all aspects of colorectal cancer—from diagnosis to recovery, including a chapter for the patient's spouse.

  Progress in Colorectal Cancer
by Mediscript



New Tests, Treatments: Better Outcome for Colorectal Cancer

New Tests, Treatments: Better Outcome for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S. Advances in imaging, genetics, molecular diagnostics, surgical techniques and chemotherapy are now making significant gains in our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat this serious disease. Dr. Fisher reviews some of these recent successes and shares a vision of future care based on current research.

EZ DETECT Home Test for Early Warning Signs of Colorectal Disease - 1 ea

EZ DETECT Home Test for Early Warning Signs of Colorectal Disease - 1 ea
by EZ DETECT

One Kit Contains Five Test Pads.
Self Check for Intestinal Bleeding Even Be

First Check Home ColoCheck Home Test, Colorectal Disease, 1 Test (Pack of 2)

First Check Home ColoCheck Home Test, Colorectal Disease, 1 Test (Pack of 2)
by First Check

A First Check at 50 product. No specimen handling. No diet restrictions. FDA cleared. Fast. Accurate. Simple. A home test for the early warning signs of Colorectal Disease. Results in minutes. Early detection is key. First Check ColoCheck provides informa

  Screening for Colorectal Cancer: An Easy Step to Save Your Life (Three Real Patient Stories)
Also With: American Digestive Health Foundation (Producer), Chuck Peet (Host)



Colorectal Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad
by MyHeritageWear.com

The Colorectal Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Colorectal Cancer Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Colorectal Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness!

Beating Colorectal Cancer Together Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White

Beating Colorectal Cancer Together Long Sleeve T-shirt Large White
by Shop Zeus



Colorectal Cancer: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbook (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbooks)

Colorectal Cancer: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbook (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbooks)
by Arthur T. Skarin MD FACP FCCP (Editor), Jeffrey Meyerhardt MD MPH (Editor), Mark P. Saunders MBBS MRCP FRCR PhD (Editor)

Written by eminent authors, Colorectal Cancer - a title in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute series - is produced in full color and is richly illustrated throughout, providing a review of each cancer including its incidence, epidemiology, etiology and histopathology, together with the clinical features. Diagnostic studies and current clinical and pathological staging are also given. Detailed tables are provided with histopathological classification, diagnostic studies and, when important, prognostic factors. Current therapies are also discussed in detail, together with useful algorithms to aid treatment decisions. Practical issues relating to management are also given such as dealing with systemic and mucocutaneous reactions to chemotherapy, including alopecia, fatigue and...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com