Toxic or Not Toxic

It has been discovered that two drugs previously thought to have been toxic for human cancer treatment may actually stop cancer growth cells and leave healthy cells undamaged. When used in small doses, researchers have found that the healthy cells will remain alive and the DNA will not be damaged. The two drugs are azacitidine (AZA) and decitabine (DAC), which specifically target cancer stem cells. These drugs have shown to be effective in treating patients with advanced lung cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome. Researchers have decided to re-evaluate the drugs for use in cancer treatment. Clinical trials have begun among patients in advanced stages of breast and lung cancer and colon cancer trials are set to begin soon. These findings have shown that these drugs can make anticancer treatments more effective when combined with other treatment approaches. With new drugs potentially on the market this can lead to increased hope for those suffering from cancer.

http://news.health.com/2012/03/30/drugs-previously-thought-to-be-toxic-may-stop-spread-of-cancer/