For a long time, a diagnosis of metastatic cancer has spelled doom for the concerned patients and their loved ones. Many tumours falling under this category are considered inoperable and may not respond well to radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Medical researchers may just turn this grim picture around if the preliminary of ongoing cancer metastasis research are anything to go by.
Cancers are in one way or the other related to a problem at the genetic level. Mutations affecting various genes are the underlying mechanism of tumour growth. The genes that cause the growth of tissues may be overexpressed and those that are designed to prevent growth may be abnormal as well. Both of these events lead to uncontrolled growth of various tissues leading to cancer.
Therapeutic interventions are now being designed based on the existing genetic abnormalities. If the defective genes can be corrected then the disease will not occur. One of the most promising studies has been carried out in mice suffering from pancreatic cancer using a drug known as metarrestin. This drug has been shown to selectively damage tumour cells within the models. There are no documented side effects on organs affected by the tumours.
The next phase of the study is to conduct human trials. To facilitate this, a pill with the active molecule has been developed and is awaiting approval by the relevant authorities. While the effects in the human body are not yet known, the drug has showed great promise and is expected to show similar results as those seen in rats. The mechanism of tumour cell killing in rats is destruction of a structure known as perinucleolar compartment. Humans also have this structure within their cell nuclei.
Immunotherapy is a strategy that many scientists have given a serious thought and indeed, followed that with actions. In this form of treatment, various conditions are treated by augmenting the effects of our natural defence mechanisms. A drug known as pembrolizumab is made up of antibodies that are proving to be quite effective in cancer therapy. By destroying the protective mechanisms of tumour cells, this drug makes it possible for these unwanted cells to be destroyed by the immune system.
In the study, pembrolizumab has been given to a number of HIV/AIDS, patients diagnosed with tumours that are either refractory or recurrent. Improved antiretroviral therapy has helped many patients with the disease to have a lifespan that is comparable to that of persons without. However, because of an inherently weakened immune system, they remain susceptible to a number of cancers. The drug is being studied to see whether it can help their immune system fight off these cancers.
Stem cell therapy is another area that is likely to create a significant impact. Stem cells are the origin of all the cells and tissues in the body such as muscle cells, nerve cells and bone cells among others. If correctly modified, the cells can be used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to cancer cells. This selectivity spares the normal cells and reduces the adverse effects of chemotherapy.
What have been mentioned here are just a few examples of what is taking place in the world of research. A lot of resources in time and money have been used and many more continue to be dedicated to these activities. The good news is that an effective treatment for cancer appears not to be too far off in the horizon.
Cancers are in one way or the other related to a problem at the genetic level. Mutations affecting various genes are the underlying mechanism of tumour growth. The genes that cause the growth of tissues may be overexpressed and those that are designed to prevent growth may be abnormal as well. Both of these events lead to uncontrolled growth of various tissues leading to cancer.
Therapeutic interventions are now being designed based on the existing genetic abnormalities. If the defective genes can be corrected then the disease will not occur. One of the most promising studies has been carried out in mice suffering from pancreatic cancer using a drug known as metarrestin. This drug has been shown to selectively damage tumour cells within the models. There are no documented side effects on organs affected by the tumours.
The next phase of the study is to conduct human trials. To facilitate this, a pill with the active molecule has been developed and is awaiting approval by the relevant authorities. While the effects in the human body are not yet known, the drug has showed great promise and is expected to show similar results as those seen in rats. The mechanism of tumour cell killing in rats is destruction of a structure known as perinucleolar compartment. Humans also have this structure within their cell nuclei.
Immunotherapy is a strategy that many scientists have given a serious thought and indeed, followed that with actions. In this form of treatment, various conditions are treated by augmenting the effects of our natural defence mechanisms. A drug known as pembrolizumab is made up of antibodies that are proving to be quite effective in cancer therapy. By destroying the protective mechanisms of tumour cells, this drug makes it possible for these unwanted cells to be destroyed by the immune system.
In the study, pembrolizumab has been given to a number of HIV/AIDS, patients diagnosed with tumours that are either refractory or recurrent. Improved antiretroviral therapy has helped many patients with the disease to have a lifespan that is comparable to that of persons without. However, because of an inherently weakened immune system, they remain susceptible to a number of cancers. The drug is being studied to see whether it can help their immune system fight off these cancers.
Stem cell therapy is another area that is likely to create a significant impact. Stem cells are the origin of all the cells and tissues in the body such as muscle cells, nerve cells and bone cells among others. If correctly modified, the cells can be used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to cancer cells. This selectivity spares the normal cells and reduces the adverse effects of chemotherapy.
What have been mentioned here are just a few examples of what is taking place in the world of research. A lot of resources in time and money have been used and many more continue to be dedicated to these activities. The good news is that an effective treatment for cancer appears not to be too far off in the horizon.
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