Plant-Derived and Synthetic Triterpinoids May Treat Lung Cancer

Filed in archive Drugs, Vaccines and Therapeutics , Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics on November 30, 2006

Scientists are exploring the use of plant derived triterpenoids in treating lung cancer. Preliminary results showed that the consumption of triterpenoid compounds and their synthetic equivalents, reduced the numbers and sizes of tumors in model mice.

Following up on previous work showing strong links between inflammation and the development of cancer, Karen Liby, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow, and her colleagues found that the triterpenoid CDDO-MA, currently undergoing trails for leukemia and solid tumors (sponsored by Reata Pharmaceuticals), significantly reduced the number and sizes of tumors in mice. In addition, a chemically related drug developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals called LG100268 was effective at preventing tumor growth.

Researchers suggest conducting further clinical trials in humans.

[Source: AACR]