Asthma Drug Prevents Spread of Breast Cancer, Study Finds......

We know that. Tranilast (structure, brand name Rizaben) is an antiallergic drug. It was developed by Kissei Pharmaceuticals and was approved in 1982 for use in Japan and South Korea for bronchial asthma. Indications for keloid and hypertrophic scar were added in 1993. It has been used for the treatment of allergic disorders such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. It has been also reported that it reduces (in-vitro) collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, inhibits the growth of neurofibroma cells and inhibits ( in-vitro) the production of interleukin-6 in endothelial cells.

Now researchers from St. Michael's Hospital, Canada reports that the drug to stop the spread of breast cancer cells traditionally resistant to chemotherapy.

Researchers grew breast cancer stem cells, which give rise to other cancer cells, in culture. The cells were injected into two groups of mice, including one group, which was also treated with tranilast. Dr. Prud'homme and his colleagues found the drug reduced growth of the primary cancerous tumour by 50 per cent and prevented the spread of the cancer to the lungs. Researchers also identified a molecule in the cancer cell that binds to tranilast and appears to be responsible for this anti-cancer effect.

As per the researchers 'Tranilast' binds to a molecule known as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which regulates cell growth and some aspects of immunity. This makes the drug beneficial in treating allergies, inflammatory diseases and cancer.

"For the first time, we were able to show that tranilast shows promise for breast cancer treatment in levels commonly well-tolerated by patients who use the drug for other medical conditions," Dr. Prud'homme said. "These results are very encouraging and we are expanding our studies. Further studies are necessary to determine if the drug is effective against different types of breast and other cancers, and its interaction with anti-cancer drugs.........

Ref : http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0013831