Stem cells have helped treat dogs and cats with serious forms of cancer that were thought to be incurable. This was reported by National University of Singapore (NUS).
Scientists have modified stem cells to deliver drugs directly to tumors. They have been tested on hundreds of animals (dogs and cats) with perianal adenomas, lung metastases, sarcomas and other types of cancer. Most responded to the treatment. Some went into remission, completely clearing up their tumor symptoms.
The animals’ quality of life also improved and they had fewer side effects than chemotherapy. This is because traditional cancer treatments damage both the tumor cells and the patient’s cells. The new treatment only affected the tumor.
The modified stem cells contained a drug that was converted into 5-fluorouracil in the tumor. This destroyed the cancer cells. The cells also helped the immune system recognize and destroy the tumor.
Scientists hope to begin phase 1 clinical trials in humans by the end of 2025.
Earlier scientists I learnedIt turns out that during pregnancy and cancer, the immune system is suppressed by a common mechanism.