Written by Nihal Dhingra, a grade 10 student.

A clinical trial of a drug named Dostarlimab cured all patients participating in the treatment of a certain type of cancer.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. This growth is called malignancy, and the tumour is called “malignant”, meaning it is capable of spreading to other parts. Traditionally chemotherapy, radiation, or both is given to stop the growth of the malignant cells.

In this case, a new miracle drug named Dostarlimab was given to patients for six months with amazing results.

This breakthrough could be the beginning of the end to finding a cure for cancer that has eluded (escaped) scientists for decades. It is noteworthy to state that the drug cured patients suffering from rectal cancer which had not advanced to other organs.

About the drug trail

A clinical takes place when a new medicine is being tested for its ability to treat the particular disease for which it is intended

The trial took place at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York, which is considered a pioneer institute for cancer treatments and research. All 18 participating patients saw their tumours shrink (become less) at the end of the trial and then disappear. On being told that no further treatment was required, the patients were left pleasantly surprised and happy.

According to scientists the trial looks promising but needs further studies and research. This research has been dubbed a “first time in history” kind of result.

Cost

Right now this drug is very expensive. It is said to cost almost $11,000 or Rs 8.55 lakh per dose!

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