Aspergillus flavus has the potential to successfully target and destroy leukemia cells, but drugs derived from it must pass through a lengthy approval process. And now, the fungus that killed many scientists and sparked rumors of a mummy’s curse may become a potent cancer-fighting compound. Additionally, when researchers added a lipid to one variant of the RiPP, it performed as well as current FDA-approved leukemia treatment drugs cytarabine and daunorubicin. “Cancer cells divide uncontrollably. The new compound researchers have discovered attacks cancer cells by interfering with a crucial step of cellular reproduction, Larios says.