Researchers in the United States are currently conducting studies on the experimental cancer drug OTS964 and its ideal method of administration. They have achieved impressive results in mice with human tumor cells, with all tumors completely disappearing within just two weeks. The drug works by blocking an enzyme called TOPK, which is essential for the final phase of cell division. Without TOPK, the two new cells cannot fully separate, leading to programmed cell death. The drug has been chemically modified and enclosed in small lipid spheres, making it more effective and less harmful to the body. The researchers believe that the drug could also be effective against other forms of cancer, such as breast cancer.
The researchers administered the drug to mice through injections or by adding it to their food. They were surprised to find that the drug completely destroyed even the most aggressive lung tumors within a few days, with only mild temporary side effects. The drug has shown promise in treating difficult-to-treat forms of breast cancer and other cancers, but clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness. The researchers plan to begin these trials in 2015.
The drug’s effectiveness is due to its ability to block the TOPK enzyme, which is overproduced in rapidly growing cancer cells. However, the drug also negatively affects blood cell production, which the researchers were able to mitigate by enclosing the drug in lipid spheres. This improved the drug’s effectiveness and reduced its harmful effects on the body. The researchers are hopeful that the drug will be effective in treating other forms of cancer, such as bladder, brain, and liver cancer. Clinical trials will be needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in humans.
