Korean Scientists Developed a Technology to Turn Tumor Cells Back into Normal Cells
In a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a method to transform colon cancer cells into normal-like cells, offering a safer alternative to traditional therapies.
Led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho from KAIST’s Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, this innovative approach avoids destroying cancer cells outright, reducing the risk of severe side effects and recurrence.
Using a computational “digital twin” model of gene networks, the researchers pinpointed molecular switches that regulate cell differentiation. By activating these master regulators, the team successfully reversed cancer cells into normal-like states in laboratory and animal trials.
This approach, termed “reversible cancer therapy,” could revolutionize oncology by addressing the root causes of cancer while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissues.
Though the initial study focused on colon cancer, the technology has the potential to be adapted for other cancer types, offering hope for safer and more effective cancer treatments.
