New drugs to beat cancers endemic in developing countries
According to the World Health Organisation, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Nasopharyngeal and lung cancers in particular, are endemic in countries across South Asia, such as Indonesia and Vietnam . Current cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but scientists are searching for more effective treatments with fewer and less unpleasant side effects.
Recent findings from this UK-China research collaboration could signal a new era for treatment of not only nasopharyngeal, but also lung cancer, now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China. The team discovered novel compounds of the rare precious metal iridium, some of which originally arrived on earth 66 million years ago in an asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. Researchers discovered that when iridium is attached to albumin, a protein in our blood, it can penetrate into the nucleus of cancer cells and destroy them when blasted with light, leaving healthy cells unharmed.
The research has the potential to significantly reduce the burden of endemic cancers on developing countries, which often lack the resources and infrastructure to fight cancer, as well as benefiting healthcare systems worldwide.
In recognition of the quality and innovation of this research, Dr Zhang has been appointed Associate Professor at Shenzhen University. During her Newton fellowship, Dr Zhang received advanced training from world-leading experts at the University of Warwick which she can now transfer to young researchers at Shenzhen University to speed up the discovery of new anti-cancer compounds.
Research links established between UK and Chinese academics will lead to lasting collaborations, and also have potential to translate new drugs into the clinic as a UK-China joint development.
Dr Pingyu Zhang, Associate Professor, Shenzen University
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Caption: UK-CHINA Research and Innovation Partnership Fund world class research and innovation partnership
Newton Prize (logo)
Newton Fund (logo)
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Caption: Novel approaches to the design of multi-targeted drugs to treat endemic cancers
Professor Peter Sadler, University of Warwick and Dr Pingyu Zhang, Shenzhen University, China
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A bus passes the gate of Shenzhen University General Hospital
A patient walks into cancer ward.
Dr. Pingyu Zhang takes a book from the shelf and starts reading.
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Speaker (Dr Pingyu Zhang)：
Due to air pollution and aging,
Lung cancer in north of China and nasopharynx cancer in south of China have become very common.
Research of new drugs will save lives
Across China, Indonesia, Vietnam and the wider South-East Asian region.
The research project could benefit the 10,000 Chinese people
Diagnosed with cancer every day.
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Dr. Pingyu Zhang is speaking in front of the camera in the study.
Caption: Dr. Pingyu Zhang, Shenzhen University, China
Five or six female students are conducting experiments in the lab;
Dr. Pingyu Zhang takes over a bottle of red liquid;
Dr. Pingyu Zhang puts the glass container into a sterile box;
Dr. Pingyu Zhang pours the liquid in the glass container into a tube;
Dr. Pingyu Zhang is speaking in front of the camera in the study.
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Speaker (Dr Pingyu Zhang)：
The sooner we discover the novel treatment,
The more likely can we save people’s life around the world.
I held a Newton Fellowship in Professor Peter Sadler’s group
At University of Warwick from 2015 until 2017.
It is essential for early career researchers, especially for women in science,
To have international connections and experience.
Newton Fund also encourages gender inclusion in science.
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A female researcher places the sample on the electron microscope holder;
The female researcher observes through the eyepiece of the electron microscope and adjusts the focus knob on the right;
Dr. Pingyu Zhang and the female researcher point at the preview information on the screen.
Dr. Pingyu Zhang is speaking in front of the camera in the study.
Dr. Yuping Zhang and the female researcher discuss in front the computer;
Dr. Yuping Zhang speaks referring to the liquid in the test tube on the sterile box;
Dr. Pingyu Zhang and her two female students smile at the camera in the lab. The camera gradually zooms in;
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The Newton Fund is devoted to achieving the
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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Global Goals for Sustainable Development Logos of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development
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Presented by
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Logo of Newton Fund
Logo of British Embassy Beijing
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Executive Producer
Zhan Zhang
Directed，Filmed，Edited by Manman Yang
Second Cameraman
Wei Wang
Produced by Believing is Seeing Studio Guangzhou
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Special thanks
UK Research and Innovation China
British Council
British Consulate General Guangzhou
Shenzhen University
Shenzhen University General Hospital
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Newton Fund Delivery Partners
UK
Academy of Medical Sciences
British Academy
British Council
Met Office
Royal Academy of Engineering
Royal Society
UK Research and Innovation
Newton Fund Delivery Partners
CHINA
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Chinese Academy of Engineering
Chinese Meteorological Administration
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Science and Technology
National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
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© 2019 Newton Fund. All Rights Reserved
Novel approaches to the design of multitargeted drugs to treat endemic cancers
Project leads: Professor Peter Sadler FRS, University of Warwick, UK and Dr Pingyu Zhang, Shenzhen University, China
Delivery partners: Royal Society, UK and National Natural Science Foundation of China
