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Baylor Researchers Identify Flavonoids That Target Bladder Cancer Cells

Six plant-derived compounds show selective toxicity against bladder cancer cells, with three validated in advanced 3D models and plans for animal testing underway.

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Overview

  • Using Cell Painting microscopy, researchers screened 244 flavonoids, identifying six that selectively kill bladder cancer cells without harming normal cells.
  • The SPACe computational tool enabled efficient analysis of large-scale phenotypic data on standard desktop computers, making high-throughput screening more accessible.
  • Three flavonoids reduced tumor growth in advanced 3D culture models, including spheroids and chorioallantoic membrane systems, confirming their potential efficacy.
  • Xanthohumol, derived from hops, was linked to reduced lipid metabolism in bladder cancer cells, highlighting a novel mechanism of action.
  • The team plans to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these flavonoids in animal models as a step toward developing new cancer therapies.