Scientists in the UK have developed a new platinum-based compound which could significantly improve the treatment of cancerous cells.

A team at the University of Warwick found that the new substance could be up to 80 times more powerful than existing treatments featuring the precious metal.

The group had already discovered a compound which could be activated with ultra-violet light, but were disappointed to note that its effectiveness was limited by the narrow wave lengths.

However, with the support of researchers from Ninewells Hospital Dundee and the University of Edinburgh, they managed to activate the trans,trans,trans-[Pt(N3)2(OH)2(py)2] compound with blue light.

The result was a more targeted attack than witnessed in similar treatments, with the new substance also being easy to dissolve and flush out of the body as it is water soluble.

Tests showed that trans,trans,trans required a concentration of just 8.4 micro moles per litre in order to kill 50 per cent of oesophageal cancer cells.

Lead researcher Professor Peter Sadler, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick, claimed that the new compound could have a "significant impact" on the effectiveness of future cancer treatments.

"The special thing about our complex is that it is not only activated by ultra-violet light, but also by low doses of blue or green light," he said.

"Light activation generates a powerful cytotoxic compound that has proven to be significantly more effective than treatments such as cisplatin."

The research team are now planning to conduct further tests to determine the effectiveness of the compound in treating ovarian and liver cancer cells.

Source:

Platinum and Blue Light Combine to Combat Cancer (09/12/10) 

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