Breakthrough Cancer Treatment Comes in a Pill - WSIL TV

CARBONDALE -- Breast cancer researchers believe they've found a way to specifically target cancer cells and leave healthy ones untouched.

A new drug, called a "smart bomb," would enter the tumor and attack only cancerous cells.

It's a treatment that comes too late for those who've already endured chemo and radiation to treat their cancer. But a local woman says she's glad to know advances will make life easier for others.

Amelia Smith of De Soto is a recent breast cancer survivor thanks to chemotherapy and radiation. The treatment wasn't easy.

"I got sick, I lost a lot of weight, foods that I liked I didn't like anymore, like I used to LOVE chocolate and chemo made me hate chocolate," explained Smith.

Like many people going through cancer, Smith wished there were an easier way.

"Hopefully one day it will be that way where you could just take a pill, you wouldn't have any of the side effects, you wouldn't lose your hair," said Smith.

Smith's wish may soon come true. Breast cancer researchers believe they've cooked up a pill that acts like a smart bomb against cancer.

"The theory is to deliver the chemotherapeutic agents directly to the tumor so that's where they act, rather than having all of the systemic, that is, total body effects," said Dr. Marsha Ryan.

The idea is that the drug will only attack cancerous cells and leave the healthy ones untouched.

Dr. Ryan, a surgeon for the breast center, says it's very likely the center will use the drug when it becomes available. However, she adds not everyone may meet the criteria to use it.

"So much of what we do is very patient specific and very tumor specific. Not everyone will need the medications or be a candidate for the medications," she said.

Smith says she's excited about the new drug. She immediately thought of a friend when she heard the news.

"Just thought like maybe this is something that she could do that would actually work because with her breast cancer, chemotherapy is not an option," said Smith.

Experts say the therapy is already saving lives in clinical trials, but it will not be widely available until next year. Doctors recommend you speak with your chemotherapist for more information on your options.