Kastamonu University continues to contribute to the literature with its scientific studies in the field of health.

Within the scope of research conducted at our university, a new method developed to enhance the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer has been patented by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. 

In the study applied for under our university's ownership, besides Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asuman Özgöz, a faculty member of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nesrin İçli, a faculty member of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Faculty of Health Sciences, and inventors from different universities participated.

In the study, the chemotherapy drug docetaxel, commonly used in prostate cancer, was examined in combination with a plant-derived natural substance, Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA). In laboratory experiments, it was determined that SNA did not have a negative effect on cancer cells when used alone; however, when combined with docetaxel, it significantly enhanced the treatment's effectiveness.

The research results revealed that the combined use of the two substances contributed to the more effective destruction of cancer cells. This approach may reduce side effects observed in patients by enabling treatment with lower chemotherapy doses in the future.

It is hoped that this patented method, if supported by clinical studies, will contribute to the development of new and complementary applications for the treatment of prostate cancer. Additionally, the study is scientifically noteworthy as it is the first in the literature to address the use of a plant-based RNA substance in conjunction with chemotherapy specifically for prostate cancer.

Making evaluations on the subject, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized the importance of transforming the knowledge produced in universities into societal benefit and said the following: 

“Every patent developed at our university is a concrete output of the application of scientific knowledge. This study, conducted in an area closely related to public health, such as prostate cancer, demonstrates the contribution of academic knowledge to the field of health. As Kastamonu University, we will continue to support qualified and innovative research.”

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, also thanked Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, President of the Higher Education Council, and Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, for their support for R&D activities.