Cancer drug offers hope of reversing autism

Scientists have discovered a possible treatment to reverse a genetic form of autism – by using cancer drugs.

A team of researchers have discovered that an experimental drug can potentially permanently reverse symptoms associated with a genetic form of autism spectrum disorder.

Using cancer drugs, the researchers found, restored normal brain function in mice and reversed most of the behavioural deficits associated with autism spectrum disorder.

Professor Riccardo Brambilla, from Cardiff University, said: “By limiting the function of the protein that appears to cause autism symptoms in people with the chromosome 16 defect, the trial drug prevented genetically predisposed mice from being born with the form of autism spectrum disorder.”