Scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have introduced a revolutionary technology that could redefine cancer treatment. According to Interesting Engineering, the research, published in Advanced Science and led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho of the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, focuses on transforming colon cancer cells into normal-like cells instead of destroying them.
Using a computational “digital twin” of the gene network responsible for normal cell development, the team simulated and analyzed complex genetic interactions to pinpoint molecular switches that could reverse cancer cells back to a non-cancerous state. These findings were validated through molecular experiments, cellular studies, and animal trials.
This innovative approach differs radically from traditional cancer treatments, which aim to eradicate cancer cells but often cause severe side effects and allow for cancer recurrence. By targeting the root cause of cancer—cellular regression during transformation—the method aims to minimize these drawbacks.
“The fact that cancer cells can be converted back to normal cells is an astonishing phenomenon. This study proves that such reversion can be systematically induced,” said Professor Cho.
The research team believes the technology has broader applications beyond colon cancer. By applying the same computational modeling to other cancers, they hope to identify similar molecular switches, potentially transforming the landscape of oncology.
“This research introduces the novel concept of reversible cancer therapy by reverting cancer to normal cells,” Professor Cho explained. “It also develops foundational technology for identifying targets for cancer reversion through the systematic analysis of normal cell differentiation trajectories.”
As reported by economictimes, this breakthrough holds the promise of creating cancer therapies with fewer side effects and a reduced likelihood of recurrence, offering hope for more effective and patient-friendly treatments in the future.