A consortium of European researchers claims to have discovered a new light-activated platinum-based compound that could be up to 80 times more effective in treating cancer than existing platinum-based drugs, such as Cisplatin.

The compound was developed jointly by scientists from Universities of Warwick, Edinburgh, Dundee and the Czech Republic's Institute of Biophysics.

The research group found that when the new compound (Pt(N3)2(OH)2(NH3)(py) is exposed to light it becomes highly toxic to cancer cells.

Furthermore, the light action that characterises treatment with the compound means that cancer cells can be targeted more effectively and that it can kill Cisplatin-resistant cells, it is claimed.

Professor Peter Sadler, Chairman of the Chemistry Department of the University of Warwick, said: "Light activation provides its massive toxic power and also allows treatment to be targeted much more accurately against cancer cells."

The researchers hope that further development of the compound could lead a more effective treatment for surface cancers and will eventually result in a new type of photoactivated chemotherapy for cancer.

Source:

Light powered platinum more targeted & 80 times more powerful than similar cancer treatments, 21/12/08

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/light_powered_platinum/


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Professor Peter Sadler is a book reviewer in the January 2008 issue of Platinum Metals Review