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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Scientists at Kaunas University of Technology have developed hybrid compounds that, in lab studies, simultaneously attack aggressive cancer cells and inhibit bacteria and fungi. Tested against lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and melanoma, the compounds show early promise — with one even outperforming standard antifungal and antibacterial drugs. Researchers caution that much more work lies ahead before any clinical application.
Cancer treatment is complicated enough on its own — but many patients also battle infections and other conditions, leading to complex, multi-drug regimens that raise the risk of dangerous drug interactions. Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) think they may have a smarter approach: hybrid compounds designed to tackle both problems at once.
In laboratory studies, the team's newly synthesized molecules simultaneously reduced the viability of aggressive cancer cells — including lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and melanoma — while also inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and fungi. Three compounds stood out for their antimicrobial potency, with one outperforming nystatin (a standard antifungal) and matching vancomycin (a go-to antibiotic) in head-to-head comparisons.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: With antimicrobial resistance rising and aggressive cancers still lacking effective treatments, dual-action compounds could one day simplify therapy and improve outcomes — though researchers stress these are early-stage findings requiring significant further investigation.
