Chemicals from a sea snail that slugs along Australia's east coast are proving incredibly powerful in the fight against cancer, according to new research. Tiny molecules that are found in the eggs of White Rock sea snails are not only tackling normal cancer cells, they are even going after cancer cells that have previously been resistant to chemotherapy. Researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) believe the class of molecules will also be effective in fighting breast, prostate and colorectal cancers.
Dr Kara Perrow found that the chemicals - called N-alkylisatins - killed 100 per cent of drug resistant cancer cells in the lab in just 48 hours. Her work is the first to look towards the molecular make up of a sea creature for cancer treatment. Lots more research is needed before human trials can begin, but hopefully this new research will provide new weapons in the fight against cancer.