About treatment with DNA repair agents
Cancer is a disease caused by genetic abnormalities, and it has been reported that one cause of this is excessive DNA methylation, which occurs in some of the genes that suppress the development and progression of cancer, suppressing the expression of tumor suppressor genes and promoting the onset and progression of certain types of cancer. Additionally, DNA methylation is often found in genes that control chromatin structure, cell cycle, and DNA repair, which may prevent DNA repair from proceeding normally and increase the risk of cancer. Recently, attention has been paid to methods for understanding the pre-cancerous state of liver cancer using DNA methylation as an indicator. Cancer is treated by restoring this DNA methylation to its normal state and repairing abnormal DNA.
Additionally, this repair agent is a new way to approach cancer cells by activating specific miRNAs (microRNAs) found in DNA. miRNA is a small molecule that acts like a “switch” that regulates protein production in the body. This treatment aims to suppress cancer cells or return them to normal cells by reprogramming cancer cells into iPS cells by activating (inducing expression of) specific miRNAs within the patient’s own cells. Additionally, this specific miRNA upregulates the p53 gene, a tumor suppressor gene, and induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
The following two actions have been confirmed:
1. Cell reprogramming: Returning cells to their original healthy (normal) state.
2. DNA repair: Repairing DNA methylation abnormalities and restoring normal cell function.
This technology has been patented (Patent No. 7189587) as an “inhibitor of methylation-related enzymes HAT1 and KAT8,” and its effectiveness against cancer cells has been confirmed, but since it is an unapproved treatment, its therapeutic effectiveness has not been proven.
Effects of treatment
The following effects are expected for advanced cancers and highly malignant cancer cells:
• Killing of cancer cells: Highly sensitive to highly malignant cancers that are particularly difficult to treat.
• Conversion to normal cancer cells: Reprogramming cancer cells to normal cells.
• Improved immune function: Abnormal DNA methylation can cause immune diseases, and repairing methylated DNA may boost immunity and strengthen the body’s defenses.
To confirm the safety and effectiveness of treatment, the following tests will be performed:
1. Blood tests
o Measurement of tumor markers and mRNA tests (genetic tests) will be performed.
o mRNA tests (see TAQ tests) are an advanced testing method that can evaluate the body’s condition at an early stage.
2. Diagnostic imaging
o Tests such as CT and PET-CT may be performed if necessary.
[Academic papers]
Potential to replace expensive treatments
Nucleic acid drug treatments using miRNA and mRNA (messenger RNA) have attracted attention in the field of advanced medicine, but are expensive and have not yet become widespread among general patients. However, this treatment uses a compound that turns on the switch, so it may be possible to achieve the same effect without having to bear the high cost of treatment.
Hopes for a new cancer treatment
This treatment offers a new option for advanced stage 3-4 cancers, especially for highly malignant poorly differentiated and undifferentiated cancers. By weakening cancer cells or reverting them to normal cells, it may bring hope to cases that have been difficult to treat in the past. It is also expected to enhance the function of a protein called P53, which promotes the death of cancer cells.
In addition to advanced cancer, this treatment has few side effects and is therefore also suitable for the following patients whose overall condition has deteriorated:
1. Those who have been diagnosed with no treatment options available because conventional treatments have not been effective.
2. Those who have been recommended palliative care alone.
However, please be aware that although human clinical trials have begun for this treatment, it has not yet undergone clinical research and has not been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, so it is provided as an elective medical treatment. Therefore, there is no guarantee of the effectiveness of the treatment.
Summary
This treatment is an advanced approach that opens up new possibilities for cancer cells. By reprogramming cells to return them to a normal state and enhancing immunity, it is expected to be effective against advanced cancers that have been difficult to treat with previous treatments.
Side effects of DNA methylation repair therapy
While the “benzethonium chloride” or “betaxol hydrochloride” used in this treatment has many beneficial effects, it can also cause side effects. The main points to be aware of are as follows:
1. Blurred vision or mild irritation
2. Itchy or bloodshot eyes, especially benzethonium chloride, which can cause itching all over the body
3. Rarely, headache or dizziness
4. Betaxol hydrochloride is also a heart medication, so it can sometimes slow down the pulse
Treatment costs
This treatment is not covered by insurance and is an optional medical treatment. Please note that you will be responsible for the cost, so please check in advance.
■DNA repair agent (benzethonium chloride)
Contents: Add 3ml of one vial to 50ml of saline, and infuse 53ml
Duration: 1 course of 3 months for cancer treatment (administered twice a week)
1 course of 2 months for cancer prevention (administered once a week)
Cost: 1 vial – 50,000 yen (excluding tax)
Cancer treatment – 30 vials – 1.5 million yen (excluding tax)
Cancer prevention – 10 vials – 500,000 yen (excluding tax)
■DNA repair agents (metoprolol or betaxolol hydrochloride)
DNA methylation repair agent (metoprolol or betaxolol hydrochloride)
Contents: Add 3ml of one vial to 50ml of saline, and infuse 53ml
Duration: 1 course of 3 months for cancer treatment (administered twice a week)
1 course of 2 months for cancer prevention (administered once a week)
Cost: 1 vial – 72,000 yen (excluding tax)
Cancer treatment – 30 vials – 2.16 million yen (excluding tax)
Cancer prevention – 10 vials – 720,000 yen (excluding tax)
