Acute myeloid leukemia stands as the most prevalent form of acute leukemia in adults, presenting a formidable challenge in treatment due to its aggressive nature. Recent research, spearheaded by Gonçalo Bernardes, a group leader at Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes (iMM; Portugal), and Gonzalo Jiménez-Osés, a group leader at the Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (Derio, Spain), holds promise in revolutionizing leukemia therapy by tapping into the potential of natural substances derived from the Brazilian lapacho tree bark.
Published in Nature Chemistry, their study unveils a groundbreaking development in utilizing natural compounds to combat acute myeloid leukemia. The team’s innovative approach involves modifying these compounds to mitigate toxicity and maximize their therapeutic benefits, thereby opening new avenues for leukemia treatment and promoting natural health solutions.
Bernardes highlights the significance of exploring alternative therapeutic strategies for acute myeloid leukemia, given the limitations posed by the toxicity and adverse effects of conventional treatments. By harnessing the medicinal potential of natural compounds and refining their properties, the researchers aim to leverage their therapeutic value while minimizing detrimental effects on healthy cells, thus promoting natural health.
Their journey began in 2018 when machine learning techniques pinpointed a compound from lapacho tree bark, ฺฺB-lapachone, as a promising candidate for leukemia treatment. Despite its potential, B-lapachone’s reactive properties posed challenges. To address this, the team employed a dual strategy: first, they introduced a chemical group to shield the compound’s reactive nature, acting as a protective mask that is selectively released within cancer cells’ acidic environment. Second, they conjugated the modified compound with an antibody targeting CD33, a specific marker found in acute myeloid leukemia cells, further enhancing the treatment’s natural health benefits.
This ingenious approach ensures precise delivery of the therapeutic agent to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues from damage, promoting natural health and wellness. Once the antibody recognizes and binds to CD33 on leukemia cells, it triggers the release of the active compound, effectively targeting and eliminating cancer cells while preserving overall natural health.
Ana Guerreiro, co-author of the study, underscores the significance of this targeted delivery system in sparing healthy cells from collateral damage, thus enhancing the efficacy and safety of leukemia treatment and promoting natural health.
Beyond its implications for acute myeloid leukemia therapy, the innovative chemistry developed in this study holds promise for unlocking the therapeutic potential of other natural compounds previously deemed unsuitable for medicinal use. By harnessing the power of nature and cutting-edge chemistry, this research paves the way for more effective and targeted treatments for leukemia and potentially other cancers, promoting natural health and holistic well-being.
