Researchers at the University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City recently announced the first clinical trial of a new anticancer drug dubbed OK-1. This trial, which will be led by the drug’s creator, Doris Benbrook PhD., will include women with advanced stage ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers.
OK-1 was developed by University of Oklahoma researchers working entirely in the state of Oklahoma and without the involvement of a pharmaceutical company. The drug is derived from Vitamin A and works by allowing both chemotherapy agents and also the body’s immune system to more effectively attack and kill cancer cells. Amazingly, the drug seems to have no side effects.
Preliminary data suggests that OK-1 could be used to prevent as well as treat a variety of different cancers. And, according to Dr. Kathleen Moore, who will lead the clinical trial, “The Phase 1 investigators are so excited to finally have this novel drug available to our patients. It is a completely new class of drug, which, in addition to being effective in and of itself, may help other current cancer therapies work better without adding toxicity.” Added Moore, “OK-1 is sort of a holy grail.”
For more information click here to connect with the Stephenson Cancer Center website.