A new gold-based drug developed by researchers from RMIT University and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology has shown promising results in slowing tumor growth and selectively targeting cancer cells, outperforming standard chemotherapy drugs. Published in the *European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry*, the study reveals that the gold compound is 27 times more potent against cervical cancer than cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug. It is also significantly more effective against prostate cancer and fibrosarcoma, with results showing up to 7.5 times better performance in lab tests.
In animal studies, the gold compound reduced cervical cancer tumor growth by 82%, compared to a 29% reduction with cisplatin. The compound is chemically tailored as Gold(I), a highly reactive and biologically active form of gold, designed to interact with thioredoxin reductase, an enzyme abundant in cancer cells. This interaction effectively blocks cancer cell multiplication and prevents drug resistance, a common challenge with conventional treatments like cisplatin.
Distinguished Professor Suresh Bhargava, project lead at RMIT, emphasized the significant potential of these gold-based compounds, which offer higher selectivity for cancer cells and reduced toxicity compared to platinum-based drugs. This targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy cells, a major drawback of traditional chemotherapy.
In addition to its cell-killing action, the compound also demonstrated anti-angiogenesis properties in zebrafish studies, preventing the formation of new blood vessels needed by tumors to grow. This dual action—blocking cancer cell activity and halting tumor blood supply—could make it highly effective against difficult-to-treat cancers, including ovarian cancer, which often develops resistance to cisplatin.
The gold-based compound, now patented in the US, represents a promising alternative to current cancer therapies. While human trials are still a few years away, the success in animal models is encouraging. The researchers are continuing their work through a $2 million Australia-India Strategic Research Fund grant, fostering collaboration between RMIT University and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT).
Gold has long been valued in traditional medicine, particularly in Indian Ayurvedic practices. This research aims to scientifically validate gold’s healing properties and develop it into an effective cancer treatment. The project has garnered attention from the gold industry, with Pallion and Agnico Eagle Mines supporting the research, recognizing its potential to address global health challenges.