Scientists Discover a Way to Turn Cancer Cells Back to Normal Instead of Destroying Them

A group of scientists in South Korea has made an exciting discovery that could change the way cancer is treated. They found a tiny biological “switch” inside our cells that can reverse cancer, turning harmful cancer cells back into healthy ones. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments that do not involve painful chemotherapy or radiation.

A New Way to Fight Cancer

Cancer happens when normal cells in the body start growing uncontrollably and turn into tumors. Traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation work by cutting out or destroying these cancer cells. However, these treatments can also harm healthy cells, leading to severe side effects such as extreme tiredness, nausea, hair loss, and even long-term health problems.

Instead of killing cancer cells, this new discovery shows that it may be possible to reprogram them and make them behave like normal, healthy cells again. This means that instead of destroying the bad cells, doctors might be able to fix them.

How the Discovery Works

The researchers found that before a normal cell fully transforms into a cancer cell, it goes through a brief moment where it is partially cancerous but still holds onto some healthy traits. Think of it like water heating up. When water reaches exactly 100°C (212°F), it is neither fully liquid nor fully steam—it is in between. Cancer cells go through a similar transition before becoming completely harmful.

The scientists discovered an enzyme (a special type of protein in the body) that helps cancer cells continue growing. This enzyme stops the breakdown of certain proteins, allowing tumors to form. By blocking this enzyme, the researchers found they could stop cancer growth and even reverse it—making the cells return to their normal state.

Testing the Discovery

To test their theory, the scientists grew small artificial tumors, called organoids, using colon cancer cells in a lab. When they applied their new treatment, the tumors stopped growing. Even more amazing, some of the cancer cells actually went back to being healthy!

Why This Matters

Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, a retired cancer specialist, explained why this is such a big deal. She said that unlike chemotherapy and radiation—which kill both cancer cells and healthy cells—this new method might allow doctors to treat cancer without damaging the body. This could mean fewer side effects, less suffering, and a better quality of life for patients.

A Safer, More Personalized Cancer Treatment?

This discovery might also help people who are at high risk of cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or those exposed to harmful substances like cigarette smoke. If doctors can identify early warning signs and use this method to stop cancer before it fully develops, it could prevent many cases altogether.

Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho, one of the lead researchers, explained that cancer does not happen overnight. It is a slow process where small changes in DNA build up over time, causing healthy cells to lose control. By studying this process at a deep level, his team discovered a hidden moment in the transformation where cancer could be reversed.

What’s Next?

Although this discovery is exciting, more research is needed before it can be used in hospitals. Scientists must now test this approach on real patients and make sure it is safe and effective.

If this treatment works in humans, it could revolutionize cancer therapy. Instead of attacking cancer aggressively and harming the body in the process, doctors might one day be able to heal cancer patients by simply turning back the clock on their cells.