A drug has been created that destroys cancer cells in a special way

Breakthrough in oncology: German scientists create a drug that makes the immune system fight cancer

Researchers at the Ruhr University in Bochum have made a revolutionary breakthrough in oncology. The innovative drug they developed not only attacks cancer cells but also triggers a special mechanism of their death, which activates a powerful immune response in the body. Thanks to this unique action, the immune system gains the ability to recognize not only the primary tumor but also effectively destroy metastases throughout the body. The results of this promising research have already been published in the prestigious scientific journal Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

At the heart of the new drug is a gallium compound with unique properties. Penetrating the malignant cell, the substance causes a critical level of stress, leading to its destruction. The main advantage of the method is that the dying cancer cell releases specific signaling proteins – a kind of "alarm signals" for the immune system. This process, known as immunostimulating cell death, becomes the key to activating the body's natural defenses.

With this approach, the patient's body essentially "learns" to independently detect and attack malignant cells, even if they have spread to distant organs and tissues. Laboratory tests have already shown high effectiveness of the new method against cervical cancer cells, opening new horizons in the treatment of one of the most common oncological diseases among women.

Currently, the scientific team is focusing on improving the accuracy and safety of the developed therapy. Special emphasis is placed on creating mechanisms that allow the drug to be activated only within the tumor. Among the methods being studied is the use of light or ultrasound for local activation of the drug. This approach should minimize the impact on healthy tissues, significantly reduce side effects, and substantially increase the effectiveness of antitumor treatment.