Scientists have discovered a “cancel button” in cancer cells that allows them to be transformed into healthy ones.
The discovery was made by specialists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).
According to media reports, they created the technology for the reverse transformation of colon cancer cells.
Experts say the method could pave the way for new solutions in cancer treatment.
It is noted that current – traditional – methods of combating cancer are based on the elimination of malignant tumors.
However, these methods are often accompanied by side effects, and relapse of the disease is also common.
Korean researchers have proposed a different approach: instead of destroying them, they return cancer cells to their normal state.
They managed to create a digital twin of the gene network involved in the process of transforming immature cells into specialized ones.
Using this model, "molecular switches" were discovered that could revert colon cancer cells back to a healthy state.
The effectiveness of the method was confirmed by a series of experiments, including on animals.
According to the scientists, although the study was conducted only on colon cancer cells, similar principles can be applied to other types of cancer.
They hope to use the digital twin to identify similar “molecular switches” for different types of malignant tumors.
