Japanese researchers develop method to produce anti-cancer compounds inside tumor cells

Researchers from RIKEN and the Institute of Science Tokyo have demonstrated a method to synthesize anti-cancer compounds directly within cancer cells. Published in Nature Communications, the study utilizes carbon monoxide—a substance naturally produced in small amounts by the body and found at higher levels in certain cancer cells—as a chemical substrate to trigger the reaction.

The experimental approach involves a complex consisting of albumin, a blood protein, and a palladium metal catalyst. The albumin protects the catalyst and facilitates its entry into the cells. Once inside, the components react with the internal carbon monoxide to produce phenanthridinone derivatives, a family of molecules with anti-cancer properties.

In laboratory tests involving human liver, breast, lung, and cervical cancer cell lines, the researchers observed the production of these active compounds and a subsequent inhibition of cancer cell growth. While the system produced significantly lower levels of the reaction products in normal fibroblast cells, the researchers noted that the current results show only modest toxicity to healthy cells and do not yet represent a fully selective or safe treatment. The technology remains in the proof-of-concept stage and requires further testing to improve selectivity and safety before clinical trials can be considered.