Rhenium Drives Advances in Cancer Therapy

Ovarian tumors are among the most aggressive types of cancer. However, physicians may soon be able to treat the second most common malignant disease of the female reproductive organs with rhenium tricarbonyl (TRIP). Scientists at the Krems Bioanalytics Research Institute have identified a target protein in cancer cells that is crucial for treatment. Through this protein, the potential anti-tumor drug can destroy the cells.

“NUBP2” is a protein responsible for cellular respiration in ovarian cancer cells. In several tests, the researchers exposed 89 cancer proteins, including NUBP2, to varying amounts of TRIP. Even a very low dosage of the active ingredient is sufficient to inhibit NUBP2 and thereby kill the cancer cell. The fact that healthy cells are largely spared by the low effective dose means that the drug has fewer side effects.

Doctors also use rhenium to treat non-melanoma skin cancer. In addition to its use in heat-resistant alloys, this technology metal is definitely one of our “health metals” (a list can be found here).

An investment in rhenium can promise attractive returns, including tax-free purchase and tax-free profits with a holding period of more than one year.