New cancer treatment could be developed due to the discovery of a new cellular process.
Scientists at the Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre at the city's
university observed the two proteins that work in tandem to instigate the
spread of a tumour.
Current treatment methods target the FAK protein leaving high amounts of the
second protein SRC in the cell. In theory, the high concentration of SRC should
be toxic to the cancer cell and ultimately result in its death.
However, the new research has discovered that the tumour cells break down
the protein and dispose of it before it can become lethal.
Doctors now believe that a dual approach is needed.
"Combining drugs already in development, which block a protein called
FAK, with techniques to stop cancer cells removing excess toxic SRC, would kill
them," said author of the study, professor Margaret Frame.
According to Macmillan, around 90 per cent of all tumours develop in
epithelial cells, which cover the surfaces of the body's major organs.
© Adfero Ltd
Cancer treatment news : 7 December 2011
