Researchers have developed an experimental cancer therapy called aurB that kills tumors by blocking their energy production. Inspired by bacteria living inside tumors, scientists created aurB from a bacterial protein called auracyanin.
The therapy targets mitochondria, the cell’s energy source, and blocks ATP synthase, an enzyme needed to produce energy. Without energy, cancer cells struggle to survive.
In studies of aggressive prostate cancer resistant to hormone therapy, aurB slowed tumor growth and shrank tumors, especially when combined with radiation therapy. Researchers also reported low toxicity in mouse models, including cancers that had spread to bone.
Because the treatment attacks cancer cells’ energy supply instead of targeting specific mutations, scientists believe it could potentially work across many cancer types. The team has secured a patent and is preparing for future human clinical trials. Lead researcher Tohru Yamada called the discovery a promising new direction in cancer treatment.