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Cancer Breakthrough: Repurposed Worm Drug Excels
20 Nov
Summary
- A 40-year-old anti-worm medication is showing promise in cancer treatment.
- A new form, polymorph C, effectively targets tumors, including brain tumors.
- This repurposed drug could accelerate clinical trials due to its safety profile.
A repurposed 40-year-old anti-worm medication is now at the forefront of a potential cancer treatment breakthrough. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have patented a novel form of mebendazole, termed polymorph C, which exhibits superior efficacy against a wide range of cancers compared to existing versions.
This specific crystalline form, polymorph C, is engineered to penetrate tumors more effectively, notably reaching brain tumors that are typically inaccessible to most drugs due to the blood-brain barrier. Preclinical studies in mice have shown that this form achieves effective concentrations within tumors, leading to enhanced tumor suppression with acceptable toxicity.
The established safety record of mebendazole, having been in use for decades, offers a significant advantage, potentially expediting its progression into human clinical trials. This repurposing of a well-understood drug could provide an affordable and trusted new avenue for cancer therapy.
