Scientists figured out how to turn cancer cells back into normal cells

The breakthrough restores cancer cells into healthy ones — without killing them.

Through a process of re-inducing the expression of differentiation-associated genes, which are typically mutated or “tuned off” in cancer cells, it may be possible to reactivate them and restore their normal function or even achieve “trans-differentiation”, whereby cancer cells are differentiated into completely different types of cell (e.g. breast cancer cells redirected to become more specialized liver cells).

A pioneering cancer treatment from researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) may redefine how we fight the disease. Instead of destroying cancer cells, scientists found a way to reprogram them back into healthy cells.

By suppressing key genetic “master regulators” — MYB, HDAC2, and FOXA2 — they successfully reversed colon cancer cells to a normal-like state without damaging healthy tissue. This non-destructive approach could eliminate the harsh side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy and radiation.

Using digital modeling, lab experiments, and mouse testing, the research introduces a groundbreaking concept: reversible cancer therapy.

Even more promising, the team applied their method to brain cell models, pointing to potential treatments for brain cancer. Lead researcher Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho emphasized that this technique could pave the way for more precise, less invasive.

Source: https://www.news-medical.net/