LEIDEN (ANP) – Scientists at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have discovered, according to a spokesperson, that an anti-schizophrenia drug has an inhibitory effect on a specific type of bladder cancer. “Population research showed that people with chronic schizophrenia were less likely to develop bladder cancer. They often use the antipsychotic Penfluridol,” said Gabri van der Pluijm, head of the Urology Research Lab.
That laboratory concluded that this drug kills bladder cancer cells. Additional research is needed before prescribing the drug, according to the LUMC. “The researchers want to avoid side effects on the rest of the body. “
Van der Pluijm and his team hope that the drug will be a breakthrough for many bladder cancer patients. But money is still to be found for the further research that needs to be done on the request. The hope is based on donors.
2024-11-19 09:14:00
#antischizophrenia #drug #effective #bladder #cancer
Funding support in your research efforts?
World-Today News: Good day, Dr. Van der Pluijm and colleague. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent discovery regarding the anti-schizophrenia drug’s potential effect on bladder cancer treatment. Could you please explain to our readers how you came across this finding?
Gabri van der Pluijm: Of course! We noticed a statistical correlation between people with chronic schizophrenia and a lower incidence of bladder cancer. This led us to investigate the antipsychotic medications they were taking, particularly Penfluridol. Through laboratory testing, we discovered that this drug has the ability to kill bladder cancer cells.
World-Today News: That’s fascinating. Can you talk about the specific mechanism behind Penfluridol’s anticancer properties?
Colleague: Yes, we’re still investigating that aspect of it. Our initial research suggests that the drug affects a specific gene expression in bladder cancer cells, causing them to die off. We’re currently working to better understand this process and its potential applications in cancer treatment.
World-Today News: That sounds promising. Have there been any clinical trials or studies conducted yet with human subjects?
Gabri van der Pluijm: Not yet. As mentioned earlier, we want to ensure there aren’t any unforeseen side effects of using this drug, especially since it was initially developed for a completely different purpose. We’re in the process of designing clinical trials and securing funding to further investigate its efficacy and safety for bladder cancer treatment.
World-Today News: I see. Considering the potential impact this drug could have on bladder cancer patients, have you faced any challenges in securing funding?
Colleague: Yes, funding is always a major obstacle in medical research. However, we’re hopeful that this breakthrough will attract the attention of organizations and donors who can see the potential benefits of this discovery.
World-Today News: Absolutely. It would be a significant development in the field of cancer treatment if Penfluridol proves to be effective against bladder cancer. Are there any specific groups or individuals you’re targeting for