WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Virginia Tech professor's research could help fight cancer

Virginia Tech professor's research could help fight cancer

Virginia Tech is at the forefront of the search for new cancer drugs.  And one of its distinguished professors is leading the international effort.

The National Institutes of Health is even backing this research.  This is the third time the NIH has awarded the biodiversity group this grant.  This time it's a five year grant totaling $2.5 million.

There are literally thousands of viles at Virginia Tech.  Each one holds the promise of a new cancer drug. 

The plant extracts come from the rain and dry forests in Madagascar.  With more than 15,000 different types of plants, it is a place researchers believe is blooming with promise.  About 80% of the plants cannot be found in any other part of the world.

"The National Cancer Institute estimates up to 40% of anti-cancer drugs have a natural source," said David Kingston, VT professor. 

If a drug comes from one of those plants, the people of its home country will also benefit.

"About half of the royalties will go back to Madagascar as a payment," said Kingston. 

In the meantime, Kingston and other researchers have joined with two companies to have an immediate impact: from building new schools, to helping to preserve valuable land.

Kingston was there in June when one school opened.

"It's a great feeling to pay back something to Madagascar," said Kingston. 

Maybe one day he will help save lives around the world.

"There are some promising leads, but nothing even close at this point to being a drug," said Kingston.

There are eight different groups doing research.