Scientists have successfully destroyed cervical cancer cells using a revolutionary new technique, which is being hailed as one of the most important developments in medicine for decades.

The technique, called RNA interference (RNAi), completely eliminated all the cancer cells growing in a test tube yet left healthy cells unharmed. The scientists called the results “absolutely remarkable.”

As the findings were released on September 5, it emerged that another team of researchers were planning the world’s first clinical trial of the technique, this time on a group of Aids patients. The trial is expected to begin within the next two years.

RNAi works by “silencing” harmful genes. Excited scientists believe it could be used to turn off the genes of infectious viruses or human tumor cells that have turned malignant, rendering them harmless.

A study published yesterday in the journal Oncogene demonstrated that RNAi efficiently switched off the genes of the human papiloma virus, which triggers cervical cancer in women. All cancerous cells growing in a test tube died, leaving normal cells untouched.

Professor Jo Milner, who led the investigation at the University of York, said that in her long career as a cell biologist she had never before witnessed such a powerful anti-cancer agent which was so highly specific at targeting tumor cells.

“The successful elimination of the cancer cells, without adverse effects on normal cells, is absolutely remarkable. I’ve been in research a long time and this was fantastic,” she said.

Milner’s team targeted the RNAi against two genes of human papiloma virus. By silencing one gene, the tumor cells stopped growing. By silencing the other, all the cancer cells “committed suicide.”

Because the treatment had no effect on uninfected human cells, this is strong evidence that RNAi would be unlikely to produce the harmful side effects seen when other cancer treatments are used on patients.

Milner said she intended starting clinical trials as a potential treatment for cervical cancer within five years. Cervical cancer is the second-most-common form of female cancer, killing 1,250 British women a year.

“Our work has identified a novel agent with major therapeutic potential for the treatment, and possibly the prevention, of human cervical cancer,” Milner said.

Cervical cancer is caused when human papiloma virus attacks natural proteins in the body, which are vital for the suppression of cancer. RNAi effectively restores this natural cancer-suppression by attacking the virus.

Written by Steve Connor for Independent Online, and published on DrKelley.info, September 12, 2002. Embedded links may no longer be active (Ed. 12.27.10)

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