Polish researchers have developed a new molecule that selectively reduces bowel cancer tumors in preliminary tests. The compound was chosen from more than 200 synthesized substances and initially tested against triple-negative breast cancer, later showing superior results in intestinal cancer cell lines.
The molecule works by inhibiting mechanisms that help cancer cells survive therapies. It blocks specific cellular processes, triggering targeted destruction of tumor cells while sparing normal tissues. Early tests confirmed significant tumor reduction without causing notable harm to healthy cells.
The research team describes the molecule’s action as precise, interacting with targets present only in cancer cells. This “key and lock” mechanism disrupts processes tumors use to resist adverse conditions, such as chemotherapy. Additional studies on cell migration and colony formation reinforced the molecule’s therapeutic potential.
The compound is protected by four granted patents, with two additional applications pending, and researchers are exploring European patent protection. Funding comes from national sources and European programs. Currently, the project has reached an intermediate level of technological maturity, with positive initial safety assessments in animal models. Moving to clinical trials will require partnerships with the pharmaceutical industry due to high development costs.
Bowel cancer ranks second in global cancer mortality, with nearly two million diagnoses and 900,000 deaths in 2022. In Poland, the disease affects thousands, many diagnosed at advanced stages with metastases. Current treatments are limited in resistant cases or specific patient groups, making the molecule’s selectivity a potential breakthrough by reducing toxicity.
The project is a collaborative effort. Politechnika Krakowska synthesized the molecules under the lead researcher’s guidance, while Uniwersytet Rolniczy w Krakowie conducted biological testing on cell lines. Researchers confirmed the molecule’s strong action against tumor cells with minimal effects on healthy tissue, demonstrating the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration in accelerating therapy development.
Next steps include validating results in more advanced models and further evaluating dose and safety profiles. Commercialization may involve licensing patents to pharmaceutical companies, with a focus on combining the molecule with existing treatments to improve outcomes for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Animal studies have already shown tumor mass reduction, low toxicity, and potential synergy with current therapies.
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