A new gold-based medication has proven to be more effective than standard chemotherapy.

A study conducted by RMIT University and published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry discusses a new gold-based compound that, under laboratory conditions, is 27 times more effective against cervical cancer cells than the standard platinum chemotherapy drug, cisplatin. In laboratory tests, it was also found to be 3.5 times more effective against prostate cancer and 7.5 times more effective against fibrosarcoma cells. In mouse studies, the gold compound reduced the growth of cervical cancer tumors by 82% compared to 29% with cisplatin treatment.

This research marks a promising step toward developing alternatives to platinum-based anticancer drugs.

The gold compound is already patented in the U.S. and is ready for further development for potential clinical applications.

Towards More Targeted and Less Toxic Treatment

The gold compound used in this study is a chemically modified form known as gold(I), designed to ensure high reactivity and biological activity. This chemically active form has been adapted to interact with the enzyme thioredoxin reductase, which is abundant in cancer cells.

By blocking the activity of this protein, the gold compound effectively destroys cancer cells before they can multiply or develop resistance to drugs. This highly targeted approach minimizes the toxic side effects observed with cisplatin (a platinum-based drug), which affects DNA and damages both healthy and cancerous cells.

Additionally, this specific form of gold has proven to be more stable than those used in previous studies, allowing the compound to remain intact until it reaches the tumor site.

Gold is known to be easily absorbed by the human body and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Essentially, it has stood the test of time and confirmed its safety, although it has not received scientific validation.

This research helps to provide the necessary evidence base and create new groups of molecules that can enhance the natural healing properties of gold.

RMIT's long-standing research in this area has captured the attention of the gold mining industry.

In October, Pallion's subsidiary, ABC Bullion, committed to donating 250 grams of pure Australian gold worth over 30,000 Australian dollars annually to support research.

Representatives from Canada’s third-largest gold mining company, Agnico Eagle Mines, also visited RMIT laboratories to explore collaboration opportunities.