Russian scientists develop cancer-fighting compound with targeted action

Chemists from Russia’s Ural Federal University have synthesised a new class of chemical compounds that could form the basis of next-generation cancer treatments, offering a more targeted and potentially safer alternative to conventional chemotherapy, as reported by the official website of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.

The newly developed substances demonstrate selective activity against specific types of cancer cells, including bladder cancer and glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Rather than destroying cells outright, the compounds act by suppressing tumour cell division, effectively “freezing” tumour growth – an approach known as a cytostatic mechanism.

One of the major challenges in oncology is that traditional chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells, damaging healthy tissues alongside cancerous ones. This lack of selectivity leads to severe side effects such as hair loss, nausea and immune suppression. In addition, tumour cells often develop resistance to existing drugs, increasing the risk of relapse and disease progression.

To address these limitations, researchers at Ural Federal University focused on designing molecules that are both effective against cancer and minimally harmful to healthy cells.

Using an original synthesis method, the research team created a new family of chemical compounds and tested them on multiple cell lines, including glioblastoma, bladder cancer, lung cancer and healthy human kidney cells. While many of the compounds inhibited tumour growth, only two demonstrated clear selectivity, affecting cancer cells while leaving healthy cells largely unharmed.

Experts involved in the study note that, subject to successful preclinical and clinical trials, a medicine based on the new compound could reach the Russian market within 7 to 10 years.