Tuesday, 13 March 2007

New drug for Metastatic Kidney Tumour

Source: Science Daily

Its been a long time since I posted something here. So...I'm back with some more hot news. Here you go...

Researchers have found out a new drug to treat metstatic kidney cancer. The drug name is Sunitinib which is marketed under the name "Sutent".

Previously this cancer was treated using interferon(Immunotherapy). Researchers tested Sunitinib and Interferon in many patients and they found out that the former produced better results.

Now how does this drug exert its functions?

Very simple...I have already posted an article describing about "Angiogenesis". You can have a look at it here.The same principle is used by this drug.

Sunitinib halts the development of cancer by preventing the formation of new blood vessels. To be more specific about the mechanism, our body cells respond to a particular molecule or to give a better term, "ligand" with the help of receptors present on their surface. The signal generated brings about a particular function. The ligand VEGF(Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) binds to VEGF receptor and brings about angiogenesis. This drug inhibits the receptor so that the signal is not transmitted and therefore the blood vessel formation is stopped.

Hope the concept is clear. See you soon with another interesting news.

1 comment:

TMM said...

Excellent site, situ. I like the music and the color is great!

~Sid