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June 26, 2007

A New Drug

Team’s research may have found faster replacement for some cancer treatments

Story by: Diana Golobay

The Shorthorn staff

The Shorthorn: Kyle Clothier

Sharad Singhal, biochemistry research associate professor, holds up his cancer research involving mice that was highlighted in the journal LeadDiscovery. Singhal collaborated with other university researchers, including his wife, Jyotsana, in the 14-month study.

Sharad Singhal’s cancer research has earned international interest.

The biochemistry research associate professor’s findings, a collaboration of work with biochemistry research professor Sanjay Awasthi, Sushma Yadav, chemistry and biochemistry research associate, and research associate Jyotsana Singhal, Sharad’s wife of 16 years, were featured on June 14 in the U.K.-based medicine journal LeadDiscovery. The report describes a possible new treatment for certain types of cancer that may replace conventional methods.

During a 14-month study, the team found the depletion of a certain protein caused the regression of human lung and colon cancer cells implanted in mice. Using an antibody, the team blocked an enzyme called RALBP1, which caused a rapid decrease in tumor mass.

“Blocking this enzyme shuts down the toxic network of biochemical signals that promotes inflammation and cancer cell growth,” the team wrote in the report that drew the journal’s attention.

The RALBP1 antibody took effect in the mice in less than a week, according to the report. Traditional chemotherapy methods took much longer to eliminate tumor mass — up to 30 days. The team studied the mice for many months afterward to gauge the effects of the treatment on their appetites, health and weight and concluded there were no adverse effects.

“We have proved our antibody much superior to chemotherapy,” Sharad Singhal said.

Jyotsana explained the process of observing the habits and recording the weight of the mice in the months after their treatments. She laughed when her husband described the process of looking after the mice as if they were “like babies.”

Sushma Yadav also worked with the Singhals in the lab and helped to produce the team’s report on their findings. She expressed pride in being part of the internationally recognized research team.

Journal CEO Jon Goldhill contacted the team weeks after its eight-page report was published in the journal Cancer Research. Goldhill asked to feature the team’s work in the online developmental drug journal, and Sharad Singhal said they couldn’t refuse. The spotlight on their work will provide the team with important publicity and contacts they will need for further research.

“People hear what you’re doing,” Singhal said. “They know your name and say, ‘Oh, you’re the one doing that research.’ ”

The team plans on filing for Food and Drug Administration approval, which Singhal estimates will take six months to a year to get. After gaining FDA approval, the team will run a human trial, which they hope will open doors to developing a method of treatment that may save lives.

“It’s a long process, but we’ll get it,” Yadav said.