Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have made a significant breakthrough by revealing a novel technology that heals colon cancer without destroying cancer cells. The method efficiently avoids negative side effects by transforming cancer cells into a state similar to normal colon cells. This novel method goes against the conventional wisdom on cancer treatment, which holds that many treatments have drawbacks, recovery risks, and adverse effects.
The research team, led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, observed that during the process of oncogenesis (cancer formation), normal cells regress along their differentiation trajectory—a pathway that defines how cells mature and specialise.
The scientists built on this understanding by creating a digital twin of the gene network in charge of cell differentiation. The researchers used advanced simulation analysis to pinpoint important molecular “master switches” that can cause colon cancer cells to return to a more typical form. The outcomes were remarkable when these switches were used on colon cancer cells. Animal tests and laboratory research, including cellular and molecular analyses, demonstrated that cancer cells might in fact be transformed back into a condition that closely resembled that of healthy colon cells. Through the analysis and use of the gene network’s digital twin, the scientists showed that cancer cell reversion may be methodically achieved rather than depending on chance findings. According to the experts, this strategy tackles the problem of cancer cell resilience while simultaneously lowering the possibility of adverse effects.
Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho emphasized the significance of this finding by saying, “It is an incredible phenomena that cancer cells can be transformed back into healthy cells. This work demonstrates that it is possible to systematically generate such reversion. He went on to say, “This research introduces the novel concept of reversible cancer therapy by reverting cancer cells to normal cells. It also lays the foundation for identifying precise targets for cancer reversion through the systematic analysis of normal cell differentiation trajectories.”
The results of this study have the potential to be used in the development of novel cancer treatments that may also be used to treat other cancer types.It also reduces the risk of side effects unlide traditional treatments. As more study is conducted, this discovery has the potential to completely change how we treat one of the most deadly illnesses in the world.
Source: India Today
