Remedies for skin cancer found by researchers

Zurich researchers are discovering remedies for black skin cancer with a double effect

07/06/2013

For the first time succeeded the development of a drug for black skin cancer with dual action. Researchers at the University of Zurich report that the active substance kills cancer cells on the one hand and prevents their further spread on the other hand. This was the first time the development of a substance was successful, which affects not only the main tumor but also on the metastases.

Black skin cancer is very aggressive
Physicians distinguish three main types of skin cancer: white skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma), spiny cell carcinoma and black skin cancer (malignant carcinoma). Basal cell carcinoma and spiny cell carcinoma are most commonly caused by bumps on the skin and can usually be removed with a small operation. On the other hand, malignant carcinoma, black skin cancer, is far more dangerous and harder to cure.

Approximately 26,000 people fall ill each year in Germany with the malignant tumors. 3,000 die from the consequences of skin cancer. The black skin cancer is so dangerous because it is metastasized at a very early stage and difficult to cure. UV radiation is considered the main risk factor for the development of black skin cancer. Gerd Nettekoven, chief executive of the German Cancer Aid, points out that there is a particular need for information on the connection between black skin cancer and visits to the tanning booth. Many of the people who regularly lay on the sunbed were underage. Especially young people would underestimate the risk of skin cancer.

Active substance against black skin cancer kills cancer cells and prevents their spread
Like Nathan Luedtke from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Zurich (UZH) and his team in the journal „ACS Chemical Biology“ In particular, more and more young women are affected by the disease. The Zurich researchers succeeded in developing a drug that not only kills the cancer cells of the main tumor, but also prevents the further spread of malignant cells. That had been examined by means of mice in the laboratory. To develop its effect, the agent must be activated with laser light. As a result, the drug develops a strong toxicity to the cancerous cells and simultaneously inhibits the formation of metastases in the lung by blocking a key signal in the malignant cells, the researchers write.

Although various cancer therapies have already been developed such as the photodynamic therapies (PDT), but they only locally on the main tumor, it is said in the Journal. In the process, the patient is injected with an agent which accumulates around the tumor and reacts toxic when exposed to light. However, these methods have some serious side effects, write Luedtke and his team.

According to her current knowledge, the new active substance is the first remedy that enables the light therapeutic treatment of skin cancer and at the same time inhibits metastasis even without the influence of light. (Ag)