An important advancement in the treatment of cancer has been accomplished by the Mumbai-based Tata Institute.
After ten years of research, a new tablet has been created to potentially stop cancer from coming back and cut treatment side effects in half.
Breakthrough Discovery
Researchers and doctors at the Tata Institute have created a tablet that they say can help prevent cancer from coming back and lower the side effects of treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy by half. The tablet ‘R+Cu’ includes tablets with resveratrol and copper that produce oxygen radicals in the stomach. These radicals work to break down chromatin particles released by dying cancer cells, stopping them from causing healthy cells to become cancerous. This process prevents cancer cells from spreading to different parts of the body, a phenomenon known as ‘Metastases’.
Testing and Approval
According to Dr. Rajendra Badve, a senior cancer surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital, the tablet has undergone testing on rats to evaluate its impact on side effects and prevention, showing encouraging outcomes. Nevertheless, trials involving people have not been finished and may require approximately five years. The tablet is currently awaiting approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and is anticipated to be available in the market by June-July.
Affordable Treatment
This breakthrough is notable for its cost-effectiveness. Despite the high costs associated with cancer treatment, this tablet is anticipated to be priced at just 100, making it more affordable for a wider range of people.
Tata doctors spent nearly ten years developing this tablet. The tablet is currently pending approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Scientists from TIFR have submitted an application to FSSAI for the approval of this tablet. Once approved, the product will hit the market between June and July. The senior cancer surgeon mentioned in an interview with NDTV that this tablet will significantly enhance cancer treatment.
“The treatment may be expensive, but this tablet will be readily accessible for just 100,” he stated.
Future Prospects
The tablet has the potential to prevent cancer from coming back and also to decrease the side effects of treatment. According to the researchers, it has the potential to be a successful treatment for pancreatic, lung, and oral cancers.
This tablet represents a major advancement in cancer treatment, providing optimism for patients and potentially transforming the approach to treating cancer. Its cost-effectiveness and impact could revolutionize the field of oncology.