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Innovative Treatment Developed by Tata Memorial Centre Raises Hope, but Caution Urged
Doctors have underscored the importance of conducting human trials to determine the efficacy of a new Rs 100 pill developed to prevent the recurrence of cancer. This announcement comes following a breakthrough discovery by researchers at the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Mumbai, who claim to have found a cost-effective treatment to combat cancer relapse.
The pill, named ‘R+Cu’, contains a pro-oxidant combination of resveratrol and copper, which, as per the study conducted on mice, generates oxygen radicals in the stomach to inhibit cancer recurrence. While the findings of the experimental study on mice are promising, medical experts caution that human trials are essential to validate the pill’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman of the Department of Medical Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, emphasized that while the research presents intriguing possibilities, it cannot serve as a substitute for established cancer treatments. He stressed the importance of human trials to assess the pill’s impact on cancer patients and its potential side effects.
In a statement shared on X, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National IMA Covid Task Force, echoed similar sentiments, describing the claim as “exaggerated.” While acknowledging the significance of the research, he cautioned against viewing the pill as a definitive cure for cancer.
Explaining the mechanism behind the pill’s action, Dr. Aggarwal highlighted its ability to degrade circulating cell-free chromatin, thereby reducing toxicity commonly associated with chemotherapy. He noted that while some human studies have shown promising results, further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy comprehensively.
According to reports, the pill not only aims to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy but also seeks to reduce the risk of cancer by 30%. However, Dr. Jayadevan raised concerns regarding potential toxicities arising from the pill’s pro-oxidant properties, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation.
In contrast, Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director & Chief BMT at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, hailed the development as a significant breakthrough in medical research. He expressed optimism about the potential benefits for cancer patients, provided that the pill proves effective in human trials.
While the tablet awaits approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), medical experts urge patience and caution. They emphasize the importance of rigorous evaluation through human trials, which are expected to take approximately five years to complete. If successful, the pill could potentially revolutionize cancer prevention and treatment, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide.
