The experimental technique uses metal-containing palladacycle compounds that react with carbon monoxide inside tumors to assemble an anticancer molecule called phenanthridinone. To prevent cellular substances like glutathione from deactivating the palladium catalyst, the team encapsulated the complex within albumin to allow safe transit through the bloodstream. During early laboratory assessments, researchers tested this system for 48 hours across noncancerous cells as well as cultured human breast, lung, liver, and cervical cancer cells.
Key points
The treatment leverages the naturally elevated carbon monoxide levels in tumors to spare…: The treatment leverages the naturally elevated carbon monoxide levels in tumors to spare healthy tissues from toxic chemical exposure.
Laboratory tests confirmed the therapeutic complex was evaluated across cultured human lu…: Laboratory tests confirmed the therapeutic complex was evaluated across cultured human lung, liver, breast, and cervical cancer cell lines.
Developing localized drug synthesis remains an early-stage strategy aimed at significantl…: Developing localized drug synthesis remains an early-stage strategy aimed at significantly reducing the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Date:
- November 3, 2026
- Source:
- RIKEN
- Summary:
- Scientists have developed a promising new cancer-fighting strategy that uses carbon monoxide naturally produced by tumor cells to manufacture powerful drugs inside the cancer cells themselves. Early laboratory experiments suggest the technique could selectively attack cancer while sparing healthy cells, potentially paving the way for safer chemotherapy alternatives.
- Share:
Researchers in Japan have developed an innovative way to turn a chemical produced by cancer cells into a weapon against them. Instead of delivering toxic drugs throughout the body, their experimental approach uses carbon monoxide released by cancer cells to manufacture anticancer compounds directly inside the cells themselves.
The research, led by Katsunori Tanaka at the RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute (PRI) in Japan, was published in Nature Communications. In laboratory experiments, the team demonstrated that a specially designed compound could trigger drug production inside cancer cells without generating the same toxic substances in healthy cells. Although the technique is still at an early stage, it could eventually provide a way to attack tumors while reducing the harmful…
Severe infrastructure setbacks across facilities managed by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have triggered steep financial strains and further operational disruptions. A chemical flushing treatment aimed at eradicating waterborne bacteria inadvertently compromised the plumbing system at the long-delayed maternity hospital. These repair complications, combined with ongoing remediation expenses at a regional mental health facility, threaten to escalate further amid rising inflation.
Deployed overseas during global conflict, service members often sought inventive ways to stay connected with their spouses back home. Before shipping out to build a hospital camp in the Philippines, a young Seabee utilized local Hawaiian flora as an impromptu canvas to send affection across the Pacific. This unique piece of military mail survived complex naval logistics to become a permanently preserved national artifact.
Republic Polytechnic student Liu Yin Rui earned the institution's 2026 Character Award for creating a modular urine bag hanger tailored for wheelchair users. The innovation was inspired by his volunteer work at AWWA, where he witnessed the daily mobility struggles individuals faced with unsecured medical bags. His achievement highlights how personal resilience following childhood left-sided hemiplegia can translate into practical assistive technology for the wider community.