Yellapragada Subbarow: How one Indian revolutionised cancer treatment

World Cancer Day: Cancer, a formidable adversary with over 100 distinct forms identified globally, continues to challenge humanity. Amid this ongoing struggle, emerges the remarkable tale of an unsung hero, whose contribution left an indelible mark on scientific progress.

Yellapragada Subbarow, born on January 12, 1895, an Indian-origin biochemist, made extraordinary contributions to the field, unravelling the mysteries of cellular energy and developing cancer-treating drugs.

Subbarow’s accomplishments include unravelling the role of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as a cellular energy source. He pioneered the development of methotrexate for cancer treatment and played a crucial role in guiding the department at Lederle Laboratories, where Benjamin Minge Duggar later discovered chlortetracycline in 1945.


As a student at Madras Medical College, Subbarao faced personal tragedy when both his elder and younger brothers succumbed to tropical sprue within 8 days. Motivated by this loss, he later identified folic acid as a remedy for tropical sprue. Additionally, he made significant contributions by discovering methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug still employed today for various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, and diethylcarbamazine (DEC), the sole effective treatment for filariasis.


Today, on World Cancer Day, the online community pays tribute to this unsung hero Dr. Yellapragada Subbarao. A user quoted, "You've probably never heard of Dr. Yellapragada Subbarao. Yet because he lived, you may be alive and well today. Because he lived, you may live longer."

Cancer Prevention
Someone rightly said, "Prevention is better than cure," and this adage holds especially true in the context of cancer. To effectively prevent cancer, it's crucial to understand its diverse causes. Genetic factors contribute significantly to cancer risk, with certain inherited mutations predisposing individuals to specific types of cancer. Environmental factors also play a critical role, as exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke, pollutants, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can increase susceptibility. Lifestyle choices, including maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and moderating alcohol consumption, contribute significantly to cancer prevention. Chronic infections caused by viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV) or hepatitis B and C are additional factors that can be addressed through vaccination strategies. By adopting a preventive approach that addresses these causes, we can collectively work towards minimising the incidence of cancer and promoting overall well-being.