Synthetic Molecules May Help Battle Cancer

Researchers in Dallas are currently looking into synthetic molecules as a more affordable alternative to therapeutic antibodies used in treating diseases like cancer. These researchers, working out of the University of Texas Southwestern have created an inexpensive, easy method to sift through tiny synthetic molecules in order to isolate the ones that have the potential to treat cancer.

The findings, which are slated to appear in the upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, have people in the industry buzzing about the possibilities that could come out of the study.

Unlike traditional tools and methods that work to isolate small compounds from large samples, which can cost as much as $40,000, this new development costs only $1,000. As a result, new research can be done in labs that normally wouldn't have the funds to do so.

More than 300,000 molecules, called peptoids, were scanned in just a few days time, thanks to the new technique. Out of this initial 300,000, five candidates were isolated. The five peptoids were all seen to mimic an antibody that is currently used to treat cancer. Once tested, one of the peptoids prohibited the growth of human tumors in a test mouse.

"New drugs being made today are antibodies, but they are extremely expensive. Financially, the US healthcare system is going to have a difficult time accommodating the next 500 drugs being antibodies," explained Thomas Kodadek, researcher at the university. "Our results show that a peptoid can attack a harmful receptor in the body with the same precision as an antibody, but would cost much less to develop."

Antibodies, which are molecules that the body produces to help fend off infection, work by hooking themselves onto specific targets, like the receptors found on the surface of cells.

To receive a FREE Mesothelioma Web information packet** or to make a request, please fill out the following form :

**For a FREE information packet including treatments, clinical trials, and specialists, please complete the form above or call a Mesothelioma Web coordinator at 1-877-367-6376.

News

Resources

If you would like to receive a FREE information packet or have questions about mesothelioma, call us at:

Toll-Free 1-877-367-6376