Compound suppresses cancer growth

WASHINGTON, Aug 30, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Scientists say they've found a non-toxic chemical compound that suppresses tumor growth and size in mice without unwanted side effects.

Researchers at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, say their discovery might lead to the development of safe and effective human cancer treatments that do not produce the harsh side effects associated with chemotherapy.

The compound -- a carbohydrate known as OGT2378 -- blocks the production of an enzyme that cancer cells need to make gangliosides -- molecules found in the membranes of most cells. When secreted by cancer cells, gangliosides suppress the immune system and promote growth of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth and survival.

"Cancer cells produce gangliosides at a much more rapid rate than normal cells," said Dr. Stephan Ladisch, director of the Center for Cancer and Immunology Research at the Children's Research Institute. "By interfering with this process we can stop a tumor from growing in a rather dramatic fashion without damaging the normal tissue surrounding it."

The study's findings were presented Tuesday in Washington during the 230th national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society.