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Each year, about ten million people die from cancer; forward. Their overwhelming support the question still lingers in everyone’s
it is one of the most significant health problems in the towards the study garnered the gratitude mind: will it work competently on humans
world. In the new era of medical developments, news of of the scientists. Hence, Anna’s initials and as well? Despite this slight drawback, it
up-and-coming improvements in cancer treatment has birth year was included in the name of the is still a sign of promise and a symbol of
been making its rounds on the internet. The hunt for the drug. hope for those hoping for a cure. Phase 1
cure has been perpetual and relentless, yet over the years, of clinical trials on humans have started,
a groundbreaking discovery has not surfaced. Therefore, Onto the vital question, how does this and bright prospects are lighting the path.
researchers and pharmaceutical corporations are in a drug work? The drug specifically targets a
never-ending pursuit of more effective treatments. protein called PCNA that is present in all While this is a remarkable stride towards
cells in the body and is involved in DNA the ultimate goal of curing cancer once and
A cancer-killing pill has been circulating widely replication. A mutated version exists in for all, the battle is far from over. Through
on the web and has scientists excited that they may have cancer cells which allows tumours to grow determination, resilience and passion,
found the “holy grail” when it comes to cancer research. and multiply uncontrollably in the body. the medical sector will continue to defy
Now, a new cutting-edge anticancer drug shows promising Playing a crucial role in causing cancer the standards of human possibilities and
results in annihilating all solid tumours. cells to die, yet also leaving healthy cells bounds of medicine. With every promising
unharmed, the drug is able to selectively result, a patient somewhere in the world
Mary Jo Nye, a breast cancer survivor from the US, target caPCNA, a protein that is responsible triumphs against cancer. May we one day
said that upon hearing the news of this possible cancer for DNA replications of the cancerous thrive in a world like that.
breakthrough, her interest was piqued. Three years ago, cells. Through identifying and inhibiting a
specific protein that is pivotal for survival
and augmentation of cancer cells, it stops References:
the growth of the tumour.
AOH1996: What sets this drug apart from typical AOH1996 for the Treatment of Refractory Solid
Tumors. Identifier NCT05227326. Sources U.S.
cancer treatments is that it only targets National Library of Medicine, 2022-. https://
clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05227326
In The Abyss of Cancer, cancer cells and leaves the healthy cells
untouched, resulting in minimal side Gu L, Li M, Li CM, Haratipour P, Lingeman R,
A Beacon of Hope Shines effects. The usual treatments on the market Jossart J, Gutova M, Flores L, Hyde C, Kenjić
are double-edged swords. Even if it works N, Li H, Chung V, Li H, Lomenick B, Von Hoff
as an effective approach, healthy cells are DD, Synold TW, Aboody KS, Liu Y, Horne D,
Hickey RJ, Perry JJP, Malkas LH. Small molecule
not spared in the process, making your targeting of transcription-replication conflict
Written by Isaac Lim Ee Chen Jr3Z(3) body weaker while in a critical situation. for selective chemotherapy. Cell Chem Biol.
Luckily, in the case of AOH1996, it makes 2023 Oct 19;30(10):1235-1247.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.
after she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had gone through a double mastectomy. use of targeted therapy, which makes the chembiol.2023.07.001. Epub 2023 Aug 1. PMID:
This pill gives some hope that future patients may not have to go through the same medication even more revolutionary. 37531956; PMCID: PMC10592352.
experience as her.
Pre-clinical trials showed
Has the world been blessed with a miracle? Has the elixir finally been found? Is a that the drug is effective on 70
cure for cancer finally coming? different tumours associated
with breast, prostate, brain,
This experimental drug is called AOH1996 and was developed by the City of lung, and other different
Hope National Medical Centre in California, USA. The origin of the name comes from cancers. The drug has already
Anna Olivia Healey, who was an unfortunate victim of neuroblastoma in 2006. After been proven successful when
Anna’s passing, her family made great financial contributions that propelled the research tested on animals. However,
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