The Speculist

Here's a breakthrough worth noting:

Scientists have shown they can turn off a cancer-causing gene in mice, offering hope of new treatments for cancer patients. The Stanford University team used a common antibiotic to turn off a gene called Myc, which is known to trigger cancer. Mice remained cancer free for as long as they took the drug. The drug also turned cancer cells back to normal.

That part about turning cancer cells back to normal is especially exciting. And it is worht noting that this research, which had its focus on liver cancer, may have some positive implications for the treatment of breast, bowel, and prostate cancer, all of which originate in the epithelial cells.

Interestingly, some of the "normal" cells turned back to a cancerous state after the antibiotic treatment was stopped. This may help to account for the return of cancer which often occurs to those who have received chemotherapy.

The article continues:

Dr Elaine Vickers, science information officer for Cancer Research UK, said: "The Myc gene is known to be overactive in many types of cancer.

"Estimates suggest that the gene may contribute to as many as one in seven cancer deaths.

So we may could be looking at potential treatments that will help one in seven cancer patients. Very encouraging, indeed.

via GeekPress