When it comes to cancer treatment, conventional approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy often come to mind. However, a groundbreaking study led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has achieved a revolutionary feat—reprogramming cancer cells to revert to a normal-like state instead of destroying them. This discovery has the potential to transform cancer treatment and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies that could significantly improve patient quality of life.
The Research Team and Project Timeline
Under the leadership of Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho, a team of esteemed researchers, including Jeong-Ryeol Gong, Chun-Kyung Lee, Hoon-Min Kim, and Juhee Kim, has been conducting extensive research in this field for several years.
This groundbreaking study has progressed through various stages, focusing on different types of cancer: Source
2020: Successful reprogramming of colorectal cancer cells into normal colon-like cells.
2022: Transformation of aggressive basal-type breast cancer cells into luminal-type cells, which respond to hormonal treatments.
2023: Suppression of metastasis potential in lung cancer cells, making them more responsive to drug treatments.
These advancements have established a foundational principle for cancer cell reversion, suggesting the possibility of applying this method to a broader range of cancer types.
The Scientific Mechanism Behind Cancer Cell Reversion
The research team developed a system that enables cancer cells to be reprogrammed into normal-like states by targeting key regulatory genes. Specifically, inhibiting genes such as MYB, HDAC2, and FOXA2 was found to suppress malignancy and encourage differentiation. One of the major breakthroughs was the successful transformation of colorectal cancer cells into enterocytes (normal intestinal cells).
The study introduced REVERT, an advanced system that utilizes single-cell transcriptomic data to reconstruct core molecular regulatory networks responsible for tumorigenesis. By identifying key molecular switches, REVERT has the potential to reverse cancer progression not only in colorectal cancer but also in other cancer types.
Human Trials and the Path to Clinical Treatment
At present, this research has been tested in laboratory settings and animal models. No official timeline for human trials has been announced yet. However, the research team is optimistic about translating their findings into clinical applications. To accelerate this process, the spin-off company BioRevert Inc. has been established to develop practical treatments based on cancer reversion strategies.
Global Scientific Response
While there has been no formal statement from Western researchers specifically regarding this study, the concept of cancer cell reprogramming has garnered significant interest in the global scientific community. The idea of reversing cancer at the molecular level rather than eradicating it through aggressive treatments is seen as a promising frontier in oncology. If successful, this approach could redefine cancer therapy paradigms worldwide.
Can This Approach Be Applied to All Cancer Types?
Initially, the study focused on colorectal cancer cells. However, the methodology has since been successfully tested on breast cancer and lung cancer cells, demonstrating its broader applicability. This suggests that the approach is not limited to a single cancer type but could potentially be adapted to multiple forms of cancer.
However, for highly complex and aggressive cancers like brain tumors, no specific study has been conducted yet. Brain cancers are among the most challenging to treat due to their invasive nature and the blood-brain barrier limiting drug access. Nevertheless, the REVERT system offers a promising theoretical framework that may eventually be applicable to such hard-to-treat cancers.
A New Era in Cancer Therapy
The innovative research at KAIST represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, moving beyond traditional therapies that focus on killing cancer cells to instead reprogramming them into normal states. This approach could significantly reduce the severe side effects of chemotherapy and radiation while improving patients’ overall well-being.
While still in the preclinical phase, this research has the potential to revolutionize oncology once human clinical trials begin. If the REVERT system can be successfully integrated into clinical practice, it could make cancer a more manageable and even reversible condition. This advancement holds great promise not only for colorectal cancer but for numerous other cancer types, ushering in a new era of targeted, patient-friendly cancer therapies.
Victoria Toumit