A smart cancer drug activating primarily in cancer cells, could replace chemotherapy

Scientists have developed a new smart cancer drug named RK-251, designed to activate primarily inside cancer cells and avoid harming healthy cells, potentially serving as an alternative to traditional chemotherapy. Collaborative research led by Dr. Asis Bala from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) and Dr. K.P. Bhabak from the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati produced the drug. RK-251 is triggered by high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) found in cancer cells, releasing an anticancer compound called NBDHEX that blocks target proteins used by cancer cells to survive. Preclinical studies and behavioral tests on zebrafish embryos showed strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells with minimal toxicity to healthy cells.