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 04-02-2018, 10:24 PM | #1 |
| Banned تاريخ التسجيل: Jan 2018 العمر: 43 المشاركات: 454 |  New drug attacks cancer-causing genes  MNT - Hourly Medical News Since 2003 MNT - Hourly Medical News Since 2003New drug attacks cancer-causing genes Published Saturday 31 March 2018 By Tim Newman Fact checked by Jasmin Collier Two recent papers attack two cancer-related problems using the same drug. They hope that it might improve survival in breast and lung cancer and halt obesity-related cancers.  Research gives a deeper insight into the molecular changes associated with cancer. Researchers from Michigan State University in East Lansing are using novel molecular routes to attack cancer. The scientists were particularly interested in bromodomain inhibitors (BET inhibitors). These are a promising new class of drugs that target the genes involved in cancer's growth. BET inhibitors prevent the expression of certain growth-promoting genes and therefore slow tumor growth. The researchers have published two papers in the journal Cancer Prevention. One concentrates on breast and lung cancer, and the other focuses on obesity-related cancers. Both approach the same molecular pathways. Halting cancer genes The first was a preclinical study led by Karen Liby, who's an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. This study found that a BET inhibitor called I-BET-762 delays the progression of existing lung and breast cancers by interacting with a cancerous gene called c-Myc.  Breast cancer: Obesity may hinder some treatmentsObesity may be the reason that some cancers become resistant to certain drugs. Read now In health, this gene helps to regulate DNA transcription, but a mutated version is found in many types of cancer cell, where it helps them to proliferate quickly. Prof. Liby explains, "I-BET-762 works by targeting DNA so that this gene can't be expressed. It does this by inhibiting a number of important proteins — both in cancer and immune cells — ultimately reducing the amount of cancer cells in mice by 80 percent." The proteins it inhibits are vital for the cancer to grow. When one of them — called pSTAT3 — becomes active in immune cells, it prevents them from carrying out their protective role. This allows cancer to progress unimpeded. In cancer cells, pSTAT3 is typically overproduced, effectively shielding the cancer cells and allowing the tumor to continue to grow. In Prof. Liby's initial study, they reduced levels of pSTAT3 by 50 percent in both immune and cancer cells. Obesity and cancer For the second study, Jamie Bernard — an assistant professor of pharmacology and toxicology — tried a similar approach but used precancerous cells. These are abnormal cells that may develop into cancer cells. The focus, this time, was on obesity-related cancers. Obesity is a risk factor for a range of cancers, including breast, colorectal, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. The exact reason for this relationship is still relatively unclear, but changes in hormone levels, immune activity, and growth factors are thought to play a part. Researchers are trying to understand the molecular processes at work with a view to curtailing them. "Almost half a million of all new cancers have been linked to obesity. There is evidence that visceral fat and high-fat diets can increase cancer risk; and while current cancer treatments have helped to lower cancer mortality, the number of obesity-associated cancers continues to climb."Prof. Bernard explains the premise of his study, saying, "We looked directly at the effect I-BET-762 had on human cells that could become tumorigenic but weren't quite yet." And the results were encouraging. "We found," he concludes, "that the drug prevented more than 50 percent of these cells from becoming cancerous." Again, c-Myc seems to be the key to I-BET-762's success. The c-Myc gene is generated by visceral fat that surrounds the body's organs, which is distinct from subcutaneous fat that sits below the skin. Scientists know that visceral fat is more harmful to health than subcutaneous fat. Cancer treatment has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, but mortality rates in lung and breast cancer are still high. Research into how these conditions can be prevented is essential. Currently, other drugs with a similar action to I-BET-762 are being tested for the treatment of a range of cancer types. The team hopes that, by understanding specific targets, better prevention methods can be put in place for populations at high risk of developing certain cancers. Related coverage  What is the average weight for women? Find out what the average weights and obesity rates are for women around the world. We also look at how weight can be measured and controlled. Read now  The state of cancer: Are we close to a cure? In this Spotlight, we track recent advances in cancer research and consider whether we are getting any closer to eradicating the burden of this disease. Read now  What are the stages of lung cancer? In this article, learn about the different stages of lung cancer, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how to possibly reduce the risk of lung cancer. Read now  What you need to know about breast cancer Breast cancer survival rates are rising as screening and treatment improve. But breast cancer is still the most invasive cancer in women. Find out who might have a greater risk, what symptoms to look out for, and the treatment options a person might face. Plus, learn about the types of breast cancer and the stages. Read now  What to eat if you have multiple myeloma Learn about specific nutrition strategies that can be used to treat common symptoms of multiple myeloma, such as kidney damage and anemia. Read now share Cancer / Oncology Breast Cancer Lung Cancer Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness Recommended related news
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