Cancer Drug Derivatives Targeted Malaria Parasites
Researchers identified anti-cancer compounds that show potential for eliminating malaria parasites in laboratory settings.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Cancer
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In a study published July 6, 2026, researchers demonstrated that derivatives of anti-cancer drugs can kill malaria-causing parasites in laboratory cultures. This finding could eventually offer new ways to address malaria, which claimed approximately 600,000 lives in 2024.
Why it matters
The development is significant because the P. falciparum parasite, responsible for 90% of malaria deaths, has developed resistance to standard treatments like chloroquine and artemisinin. Finding new molecular targets is essential for addressing these treatment-resistant strains.
A study tested 14 anti-cancer drug derivatives against P. falciparum in laboratory cultures, where compounds successfully eliminated parasites at both asexual and gametocyte stages. While some compounds demonstrated selectivity for parasites over human cells, the research is preclinical.
The players
University of São Paulo
A Brazilian research institution that led the investigation into re-purposing anti-cancer therapies for parasitic infections.
ACS Omega
A peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal that publishes research in chemistry and related sciences.
The details
The compounds function by targeting histone deacetylase enzymes, which are critical for the survival and replication of the parasite. By analyzing how specific chemical structure changes affect the behavior of these derivatives, researchers aim to optimize potency while minimizing toxicity to human cells. The team evaluated the efficacy of these molecules specifically against the P. falciparum parasite, which is the most lethal of the malaria species.
Timeline
Malaria caused approximately 600,000 deaths globally in 2024.
The research results were published in the journal ACS Omega on July 6, 2026.
Health Landscape
This research provides a potential new pipeline of compounds to overcome the growing global challenge posed by drug-resistant malaria parasites. It represents a shift toward repurposing known antineoplastic agents to bypass the mechanisms used by P. falciparum to evade standard therapies.
This study is in the preliminary, laboratory-based phase and does not currently impact clinical treatment for patients. If you are traveling to regions where malaria is endemic, consult a healthcare provider for established, evidence-based preventive measures and medications.
The takeaway
The research highlights that anti-cancer compounds may hold untapped potential for treating parasitic infections that have become resistant to current drugs. Future studies will focus on how these molecules perform against other malaria species and their stability in living systems.
Further reading
For more on the latest research in this field, visit our Cancer section.
More information
Review the full Published research paper in ACS Omega to understand the study methodology.
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