Researchers have discovered a new chemical compound that blocks the cancer causing biological molecule called Stat3, and by doing so controls growth and existence of human cancer cells. The compound strongly inhibits the activated form of Stat3, and consequently attenuates Stat3 functions in cancer cells. Accordingly, treatment of human breast cancer and glioma cells in culture leads to inhibition of cell growth and survival, and the ability of the tumor cells to migrate. Altogether, the studies provide data to support the compound as a potential new drug to treat human cancers that show evidence of activated Stat3, including breast cancer and glioma. Other cancers for possible treatment with compound include pancreatic, prostate, lung cancers, and many others.
Applications
Treatment of breast cancer and glioma, pancreatic, prostate, lung, and other cancers.
Advantages
Because of the unique and specific mechanism by which it exerts its effect, the compound may be less toxic and predominantly control tumor cells that contain the abnormal Stat3 protein.