An antidepressant
could be crucial in helping cancer treatment drugs reach their
full potential, according to new research.
The study by scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research found that
tranylcypromine (TCP) – which can be used to treat psychotic depressive states
- can make cancer cells vulnerable to the effects of a vitamin A-derivative
drug called ATRA.
ATRA is already used successfully to treat a rare form of acute myeloid
leukaemia (AML), but up until now, has not been effective against other types
of the disease.
The drug works be creating conditions which expedite the maturity of cancer
cells, meaning they die naturally in a quicker timeframe, but AML cells often
have a molecular block, which can be bypassed with the use of TCP.
"We think this is a very promising strategy and if these findings can be
replicated in patients the potential benefits are enormous," said senior
author Arthur Zelent.
© Adfero Ltd
Cancer treatment news : 12 March 2012
