MUMBAI, India – Researchers at Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai have made a breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of cancer metastasis that could revolutionize cancer treatment worldwide. After a decade of research, they have identified a process where dying cancer cells release ‘chromosome fragments,’ known as chromatins, which can potentially fuse with healthy cells and trigger the formation of new tumors.
The team, led by Dr. Indraneel Mittra, highlighted the risks associated with traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. While these treatments effectively target primary tumor cells, they also inadvertently prompt the release of chromatins that can travel through the bloodstream and initiate cancer in different parts of the body. This revelation underscores the importance of exploring alternative therapeutic approaches to combat metastasis.
Further experimentation revealed that a specific nutraceutical, made from copper and certain plant extracts like grapes or berries, could potentially counteract the effects of chromatins and reduce the risk of cancer spreading. Former TMC director Dr. Rajendra Badwe emphasized the significance of this finding and announced plans to collaborate with a nutraceutical manufacturer to make this treatment available by June.
The implications of this research are profound, shedding light on a previously overlooked aspect of cancer progression. By injecting human breast cancer cells into mice, the researchers were able to observe firsthand how chromatins from cancer cells could influence the development of secondary tumors. These findings call for a reevaluation of existing cancer treatment protocols and a shift towards a more holistic approach that addresses the underlying mechanisms of metastasis.
In recent years, the team has conducted clinical trials using the nutraceutical, known as R-Cu, with promising results among patients with various forms of cancer. From reducing painful ulcers in blood cancer patients to improving outcomes in stomach cancer cases, the potential of this supplementary therapy cannot be understated. Dr. Navin Khattry, TMC deputy director, shared anecdotes of how patients experienced fewer side effects when R-Cu was integrated into their standard treatment regimen.
The researchers’ dedication to unraveling the complexities of cancer metastasis has opened new avenues for improving patient outcomes and refining cancer treatment strategies. Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, an oral cancer surgeon, highlighted the role of nutraceuticals in mitigating the toxicity of chemotherapy, offering a glimmer of hope to patients undergoing arduous cancer treatment. As the medical community grapples with the challenges posed by metastatic cancer, these findings serve as a beacon of innovation and progress in the field of oncology.