American researchers have developed a new drug, that when used along with chemotherapy, shows significant promise in treating advanced melanoma, delaying the evolution of cancer and prolonging the lives of sufferers.
The new drug, known as STA-4783, is the first in a new class called oxidative stress inducers. It works by rising the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, in cells. ROS induces a high oxidative stress that kills only tumour cells but not healthy cells.
Melanoma is one of several cancer types that are known to operate at a higher level of oxidative stress, and is very difficult to treat. Current therapies either have limited power or are highly toxic. STA-4783 was found beneficial for melanoma during trials, and the result was achieved without substantial additional toxicity
A further study of STA-4783 in melanoma patients across Europe is now in process to investigate the drug’s potential.
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