Scientists are using ruthenium in a chemical reaction that they claim is helping to fight cancer.

The metal is used as a catalyst to a reaction which fights cancer by using oxidants.

Cancer is usually able to adapt to traditional drugs attacking infected cells, but new research has shown that using ruthenium can stop cells developing the anti-oxidant chemical glutathione.

This means that the targeted cell drops its glutathione defences leading to an increase in oxidants and the death of the cancerous tissue.

Professor Peter Sadler from the chemistry department at the University of Warwick explained the process: "We know oxidants produce free radicals that damage cells. Our experiments show ruthenium produces a reaction in the cell which destroys its anti-oxidant defence glutathione - thus destroying the cancer-infected cell."

The scientists are now hoping that the research can be applied to medical trials.

Scientists from the University of Warwick are working on the project in partnership with Edinburgh University and Oncosense.

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Scientists use old enemy to K.O. cancer
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-08/uow-suo081208.php