Healthy for Humans, Deadly for Cancer Cells: Gallium Could Enable New Bone Cancer Therapy
Gallium is well tolerated by the human body, but it is highly toxic to cancer cells. A research team at Aston University in the UK has now leveraged this property to develop a gallium-based treatment for bone cancer. This could actually cure the disease, which is still often fatal.
New Therapy for the Most Common Malignant Bone Tumor
The researchers’ therapy targets osteosarcoma, the most common malignant bone tumor. With chemotherapy, the survival rate in the first 5 years after diagnosis is up to 70%. However, if the tumor recurs, this chance decreases drastically. Primary bone cancer also increases the likelihood of bone fractures.
Gallium Glass Kills 99% of Cancer Cells and Regenerates Destroyed Tissue
The new treatment developed by British researchers has a 99% chance of killing cancer cells. They achieved this using a therapeutic glass that was melted at 1,450 degrees Celsius and then infused with gallium. It was then finely ground and administered to the tumor cells. These absorbed the gallium glass, which is toxic to them, and died, while healthy cells remained unaffected. Additionally, the glass helped regenerate bone tissue destroyed by cancer by serving as a foundation for cell reconstruction.
Goal Is a Minimally Invasive Paste for Local Treatment
The team is currently working on a practically applicable paste that can be administered minimally invasively. They are hoping for additional research funding to achieve this. The researchers’ goal is to develop an effective and more localized treatment with fewer side effects.
Ophthalmology Is Also Researching with Gallium
In general, gallium is becoming increasingly important in medicine. For example, it also plays a role in ophthalmology, where research is currently being conducted on a mini solar cell for the eye. (We reported) A therapy using this could help preserve patients’ vision in cases of age-related macular degeneration.