Tree bark derivative may help treat lung cancer

AORN Journal, Sept, 2007

Researchers have determined how certain types of cancer cells are kilted by a substance found in the bark of the South American lapacho tree, according to a June 25, 2007, news release from Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. The compound, called beta-lapachone, appears to interact with the enzyme NQ01, an enzyme common in nonsmall cell lung cancer and other solid tumors.

Nonsmall cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, and 85% of patients with this cancer have cancer cells containing elevated Levels of the NQ01 enzyme. The enzyme is not present or is expressed at low levels in healthy cells. Beta-lapachone is metabolized by the enzyme in the cancer cells, resulting in cell death without damaging noncancerous tissues. Researchers noted that high doses of the compound given to patients for only two to four hours caused all the NQ01-containing cancer cells to die.

Substance in tree bark could lead to new lung-cancer treatment [news release]. Dallas, TX: Southwestern Medical Center; June 25, 2007. http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/cda /dept353744/files/390284.html. Accessed August 3, 2007.