Anti-cancer molecules ‘discovered’ by varsity in MP

In a major breakthrough in cancer treatment which is inspired by the all-time tested properties of turmeric, a state-run varsity in Bhopal claimed to have discovered anti-cancer molecules which will bring a revolution in fighting the dreaded disease in an effective manner.

Bhopal-based Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) also announced that it has applied for a US patent of the discovery of the new anti-cancer molecules code named “CTR-17 and CTR-20,” Vice Chancellor, Professor Piyush Trivedi and his doctoral student Dr. C. Karthikeyan said in Bhopal on Monday.

“Inspired by the healing properties of turmeric, which is available in every household and considered as an effective antiseptic and given almost to everyone for treating various ailments, we have studied it deeply for almost 10 long years and discovered a molecule based on our findings which has magical effects on treating cancer during pre-clinical trials,” Prof. Trivedi said.

“It is novel and unique in a sense that unlike other cancer drugs, that have major side-effects especially when one undergoes chemotherapy. This molecule targets and destroys only cancerous cells and caused no damage to other vital cells of the body,” the Vice Chancellor of state’s only government Technological University said.

“The research was carried out in collaboration with Canada-based Advanced Medical Research Institute’s Dr. Hyoun Lee’s team and an US provisional patent application has been officially filed to protect intellectual property rights,” Mr. Trivedi, who is a pharmacist by profession, said.

“The molecules code named CTR-17 and CTR-20 elicits anticancer activity through a mechanism which involves obstruction of cancer cell division by inhibition of tubulin, a protein which is important for many important cellular functions, including chromosome segregation during cell division, intracellular transport, development and maintenance of cell shape, cell motility and distribution of molecules on cell membranes,” explained Mr. Karthikeyan, who was associated with the research since the beginning.

“Besides these two, we have also discovered 22 other molecules and their pre-clinical trials has also produced very encouraging results and would prove a boon to cancer patients,” Mr. Trivedi said. The Vice Chancellor said that RGPV is the only university in the country that has carried out research of this kind which will transform the lives of those suffering from cancer.

He informed that after pre-clinical trial which too were conducted in Canada, the stage was set for the clinical trials of the discovered molecule on animals (mice) at Canada only.

“Studies in the lab have also showed that CTR-17 and CTR-20 increased the life span of animals affected with tumour manifold by including tumour regression in mice models without showing any long term adverse effects, especially less toxicity.”

Furthermore, the molecules also showed strong synergistic effects in combination with paclitaxel (an anti-cancer drug in clinical use) on multidrug-resistant cells.

“The overall data generated shows that CTS compounds tested alone or in combination with paclitaxel, possess strong anti-tumour activity without notable ill-effects to animals observed warranting clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy in humans,” Trivedi claimed based on his findings.

“This is a significant discovery especially in the present context when cancer has become worlds dreaded killer disease accounting for 8.2 million deaths (around 13 per cent of all deaths) in 2012 as per the World Cancer Report and scientists embattling cancer are on the lookout for newer effective and safer drugs for anticancer therapy,” he added.