Molecular Find Could Be Harbinger for Kidney Cancer Treatment
A new molecule discovered by researchers at Stanford University and modified by Auckland University could help in treating kidney cancer in future.
The molecule called STF-62247 is currently being replicated into related molecules suited for human drug development. Auckland University senior research fellow Dr Michael Hay said the new molecule would destroy kidney cells by inducing them to "recycle".
Usually health cells can survive on less nutrients, but cancer cells cannot. This principle is being used by the researchers to create molecules that can be used in future cancer drugs.
Human trials for the drug are expected to begin in four years' time.