Breakthrough Pill Enhances Chemo Response in Cancer Patients

Scientists at King’s College London have developed a groundbreaking pill called KCL-HO-1i that helps cancer patients respond better to chemotherapy. The drug works by neutralizing the HO-1 protein, which is produced by white blood cells and can protect tumors from treatment. Early tests on mice showed promising results, particularly in breast cancer cases, where tumors became more sensitive to various chemotherapy types.

The pill is designed for at-home use between chemotherapy sessions, offering a convenient companion to existing treatments. Researchers believe this approach could reduce the need for more aggressive therapies in the future. Professor Miraz Rahman of KCL emphasized the drug’s potential to help more patients benefit from currently available treatments while improving outcomes.

Supported by Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council, the study has been published in Science Translational Medicine. Tanya Hollands from Cancer Research UK highlighted the excitement around this new method of overcoming cancer’s defense mechanisms while enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness. Human trials are expected to begin within two years, marking a significant step forward in cancer treatment innovation.

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