Chemicals in a poisonous wild flower have been used to develop powerful new cancer treatments, British researchers report today.
New drugs under development at Bradford University, Yorkshire, UK, harness a substance called colchicine – a poison found in the Autumn crocus, also known as meadow saffron or naked lady.
The flower provided ancient herbal treatments – but was also poisonous.
The researchers say they have turned it into a "smart bomb" that can be directed at a solid tumour, a drug that is triggered by enzymes found at high levels in tumours.
Clinical trials are due to take place at St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK. Details of the research have been announced as the annual British Festival of Science takes place in Bradford this week.
Laboratory studies have so far tested the drug on cancers of the breast, colon, lung, sarcoma and prostate.
Professor Laurence Patterson, director of the Institute for Cancer Therapeutics at the university, said: "What we’ve designed is, effectively, a ‘smart bomb’ that can be targeted directly at any solid tumour to kill it without appearing to harm healthy tissue."
He added: "We have to remain cautious until we can prove the same remarkable effects in clinical trials – but ultimately, if all goes well, we would hope to see this drug used as part of a combination of therapies to treat and manage cancer."
Leave a Reply