A research team has created an innovative technology that can treat colon cancer by transforming cancer cells into a state similar to normal colon cells without destroying them, thus preventing any side effects.
Even though many cancer treatment technologies have been developed, the primary aim of most current cancer therapies is to eradicate cancer cells. However, this method has significant limitations, such as cancer cells developing resistance and returning, alongside serious side effects from targeting healthy cells.
On December 20th, KAIST, led by President Kwang Hyung Lee, announced that a research team led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho from the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering has pioneered a remarkable technology that addresses colon cancer by reprogramming cancer cells to act more like normal colon cells, without the need for killing them, which avoids harmful side effects.
The research team noted that during the process of tumor formation, normal cells often revert along their pathway of development. Building on this observation, they created a digital replica of the gene network linked to the development pathways of these normal cells.
Through detailed simulation analysis, the team identified key molecular switches that promote the differentiation of normal cells. When these switches were applied to colon cancer cells, the cells transitioned back to a state resembling normal cells, a conclusion supported by various molecular and cellular tests, as well as studies on animals.
This research illustrates that it’s possible to reverse cancer cell characteristics systematically by leveraging insights from the digital model of the gene network, rather than relying on chance discoveries. The results are highly promising for creating reversible cancer treatments applicable to multiple cancer types.
Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho commented, “It’s incredible that cancer cells can be reprogrammed back to normal cells. This study confirms that such a reprogramming process can be systematically driven.”
He also stated, “This research introduces a new concept of reversible cancer therapy that involves reverting cancer cells to their normal state. It establishes foundational technology for pinpointing targets for cancer reprogramming by analyzing the differentiation pathways of normal cells.”
The study received support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea through the Mid-Career Researcher Program and the Basic Research Laboratory Program. The findings of this research have been handed over to BioRevert Inc., which will work on developing effective cancer reprogramming treatments.
