Scientists Trial Light-Activated Cancer Treatment Drug

Light will be shone on the antibodies when at the site of the tumour Scientists at Newcastle University claim to have developed the ability to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the current generation of tumour-targeting cancer drugs through the use of ultra-violet light.

Monoclonal antibodies carry great weight in fighting cancer. However, they also have a tendency to target body tissue other than those containing tumours. The Newcastle scientists now claim to have discovered methods whereby the antibodies are activated only in response to UV light, which is shone at the tumour’s site.

Human Body Cannot Produce Antibodies Needed to Fight Cancer

The human body lacks the capability to produce the antibodies required to combat cancer, although it can, and does, do so for a large number of diseases. Consequently, therapeutic antibodies come with a great deal of expectancy attached. Such treatments work by encouraging T-cells in the body, which act to monitor the manufacture of antibodies.

However, these treatments also carry with them a certain risk factor – showcased last year when, during drug assessments, six men became gravely ill after their immune systems became over-stimulated.

Some antibodies have been successfully incorporated into cancer drugs such as Avastin and Herceptin. However, while a large number have been created, many are yet to see use. This is because a safe method through which they can reach the tumour has not yet been established.

According to Professor Colin Self – the leader of the Newcastle-based research team - "It's very difficult to get the antibodies to specifically target the tumour. They get taken to places you don't want them."

Antibodies Covered in Light-Reactive Oil Prior to Attacking Tumour

In response, then, Professor’s Self’s team has come up with a method of “cloaking” the antibodies with a form of oil that reacts to light. Upon being illuminated, the antibodies begin their work.

Clinical trials have so far involved mice. Of the six that were infected with ovarian cancer, five saw their tumours disappear. Human tests should begin in 2008, pending relevant funding. These, however, will initially involve skin cancers as opposed those involving tumours on the inside of the body.

If these trials prove to be a success, the advent of treatments on the market employing the technology may still be 10 years away. However, even at this early stage, the findings have received a welcome response.

"Developing treatments that attack cancer cells but leave healthy tissue unharmed is the holy grail of cancer research", said Cancer Research UK’s Josephine Querido, adding: "Although at a very early stage, this new approach has potential, and we await the outcome of further research with interest."

Source – Pharmaceutical International’s Research and Development Analyst