Positive results for revolutionary cancer drug in human clinical trial

The drug prevents tumour growth through inhibition of HSP90.

Results from a phase one clinical trial indicate that a potential cancer drug called AUY922 could be effective in safely combatting advanced tumours.
A study published in the Clinical Cancer Research details an experiment involving 101 cancer patients who received the 'next-generation' medicine.
Dr Udai Banerji and colleagues found that AUY922 could effectively inhibit Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), which facilitates the multiplication and spread of diseased cells.
Previous investigation involving HSP90-targeting drugs resulted in side-effects such as liver damage, but the new medicine appears to be safe.
Professor Paul Workman, who was involved in the discovery of HSP90 inhibitors, said: "We are delighted to see our initial discovery leading to such promising early results in cancer patients."
Experimenters have already started phase two of the trial, eager to progress with the drug and determine whether it will have clinical applications.
There were 12.7 million cancer cases in 2008, according to the World Cancer Research Fund International, and treating the disease is a priority in the scientific community.