The team has developed an innovative technology that allows for the conversion of cancer cells into a state resembling normal colon cells without the need to kill them, significantly reducing side effects.

This research indicates significant potential for developing reversible cancer therapies that could be applicable to various types of cancer.

Professor Cho emphasized the revolutionary implications of this study, highlighting that the ability to revert cancer cells back to normal could transform cancer treatment paradigms.

He also noted the astonishing nature of introducing reversible cancer therapy as a novel concept in the field.

The study detailing these findings was published in the journal Advanced Science on December 23, 2024.

This research is based on the observation that normal cells regress along their differentiation trajectory during cancer development, leading to the creation of a digital twin of the gene network associated with normal cell differentiation.

By utilizing simulation analysis, the researchers identified key molecular switches that promote normal cell differentiation and successfully applied these to colon cancer cells, confirming their reversion to a normal-like state through various scientific experiments.

The findings suggest a systematic approach to cancer cell reversion, moving beyond random discoveries to a structured methodology that could enhance treatment strategies.

The research received support from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea, and has been transferred to BioRevert Inc. for the development of practical cancer reversion therapies.

KAIST recently announced a groundbreaking advancement in colon cancer treatment, led by Professor Kwang-Hyun Cho's research team.

Current cancer treatments primarily focus on eliminating cancer cells, but this approach faces challenges such as resistance and severe side effects from damaging healthy cells.