New Discoveries and Honors in Cancer Research

Read the latest cancer research and recognition from the members of the Damon Runyon scientific circle.
September 10, 2015
Cancer drug from rare plant produced in lab

Elizabeth S. Sattely, PhD (Damon Runyon Fellow '08-'10) and colleagues at Stanford University reported that they were able to produce a common cancer drug called etoposide—previously only available from an endangered plant—in a common laboratory plant. This work could lead to a more stable supply of the drug and allow scientists to produce even safer and more effective versions of the drug. The technique could potentially be applied to other plants and drugs, creating a less expensive and more stable source for those drugs. These results were published in the journal Science