Imagine a future where cancer treatments are not only more effective but also have far less toxic side effects. Researchers at RMIT University have taken a significant step in that direction by developing a revolutionary gold-based compound that demonstrates extraordinary potential in fighting cancer. This breakthrough compound is 27 times more potent against cervical cancer cells in laboratory tests than cisplatin, the commonly used chemotherapy drug. Additionally, it is 3.5 times more effective against prostate cancer cells and 7.5 times more effective against fibrosarcoma cells.
The innovation doesn’t stop in the lab. In mice studies, the compound reduced cervical cancer tumor growth by an impressive 82%, compared to just 29% for cisplatin. With its ability to target cancer cells more selectively and minimize harmful side effects, this new compound offers hope for better, less toxic cancer treatments.
Led by Distinguished Professors Suresh Bhargava and Magdalena Plebanski, the team is pushing the boundaries of science to develop more targeted therapies. Their efforts also highlight the power of international collaboration, drawing on expertise and resources from India and Australia. Could gold, the noblest of all metals, become the next cornerstone in the fight against cancer? Let’s explore how this remarkable innovation could reshape oncology.
A Powerful Alternative to Platinum-Based Drugs
Gold is famously known as the noblest of all metals because it has little or no reaction when encountering other substances; a property that makes it perfect for wedding rings and coins. However, the chemically engineered gold compound, known as Gold (I), is designed for high reactivity and biological activity. Unlike cisplatin, which randomly damages both healthy and cancerous cells by targeting DNA, Gold(I) selectively interacts with an enzyme called thioredoxin reductase, abundant in cancer cells. By blocking this enzyme, the compound halts cancer cell growth and prevents the development of drug resistance.
“Our newly synthesized compounds outperform current treatments in many ways, including their selectivity and reduced toxicity,” said Distinguished Professor Bhargava, Director of RMIT’s Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry.
Another striking advantage is the compound’s stability, allowing it to remain intact as it travels to the tumor site. This ensures precise targeting and minimizes the collateral damage often associated with traditional chemotherapy.
Multi-Pronged Attack Against Cancer
What sets this gold-based compound apart is its ability to fight cancer on multiple fronts. In zebrafish studies, it was shown to stop the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Alongside blocking protein activity, it also prevents the formation of new blood vessels a process known as anti-angiogenesis that tumors need to grow.
“This is the first time one of our gold compounds has demonstrated anti-angiogenesis,” said Professor Plebanski, who leads RMIT’s Cancer, Ageing, and Vaccines Laboratory. “Its dual attack mechanism makes it effective against tough-to-treat cancers, like ovarian cancer, which often develop resistance to cisplatin.”
Such a multi-pronged approach could be a game-changer in addressing recurrent cancers and metastases, a significant challenge in cancer therapy today.
Collaborative Efforts Driving Global Innovation
This breakthrough was made possible through the combined efforts of RMIT University and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) in Hyderabad. Supported by a $2 million Australia-India Strategic Research Fund grant, the collaboration reflects the power of international partnerships in tackling global health challenges.
Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, the first author of the study and a graduate of RMIT’s joint PhD program with IICT, plays a crucial role in advancing this research. Meanwhile, RMIT’s Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow, Dr. Ruchika Ojha, has been instrumental in building the Molecular Engineering Group under Professor Bhargava’s guidance.
“By leveraging expertise and resources from both Australia and India, we’re making meaningful progress in the fight against cancer,” said Bhargava.
Gold’s Long-Standing Legacy in Healing
Gold has been celebrated for its healing properties for centuries, especially in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. While it is famously unreactive, the Gold(I) compound used in this study is chemically engineered to amplify its therapeutic potential.
“Gold has been used for thousands of years but lacked scientific validation,” said Bhargava. “Our work provides the evidence base needed and introduces new molecules tailored to enhance gold’s natural healing properties.”
The compound’s success has also garnered interest from the gold industry. Pallion subsidiary ABC Bullion has pledged an annual donation of 250 grams of pure gold, valued at over AUD $30,000, to support this research. Agnico Eagle Mines, Canada’s third-largest gold producer, has also expressed interest in collaboration.
Building a Legacy of Innovation
The project brings together a diverse team of experts, including Drs. Steven Priver, Ranjith Jakku, Tayebeh Hosseinnejad, and six PhD students from India, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, and Mexico. This global collaboration underscores the project’s importance and the shared commitment to advancing cancer treatment.
“I am proud to continue Professor Bhargava’s legacy, ensuring his contributions inspire groundbreaking discoveries,” said Dr. Ojha.
Towards a Brighter Future
The potential of this gold-based compound extends far beyond lab studies. With a US patent secured, the compound is ready for further development and clinical trials.
While human trials are still some years away, the groundbreaking results so far have inspired hope for more effective, less harmful cancer treatments.
“Gold is not just a scientific breakthrough; it represents a step towards addressing a global health challenge,” said Bhargava.
A Golden Era for Cancer Treatment
This innovative gold-based compound from RMIT University could herald a new era in cancer treatment, one where therapies are not only more effective but also safer for patients. By combining advanced science, international collaboration, and industry support, this research is paving the way for targeted, less toxic cancer therapies.
The fight against cancer is far from over, but with breakthroughs like this, we are undoubtedly moving closer to a brighter, healthier future.
