Scientists at Lund University are on a quest to resolve a classic “if/then” situation involving a protein discovery that could lead to new cancer treatment. Basically, if they can block a protein called gamma-tubulin, then targeted cancer cells should die while healthy cells survive.
One major problem with cancer treatment is that most chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy not only have an effect on cancerous cells, but also damage healthy cells. This cell damage results in side effects and complications that can seriously impact a patient’s quality of life.
The Swedish investigators found that the retinoblastoma protein, which interferes with cell division, is not present in most cancer tumors. When this protein is absent, it leads to an increase in gamma-tubulin, another protein which, at elevated levels, promotes the development of cancer tumors.
That leaves the researchers with an if/then situation, and they are already searching for substances that can stop the effect of gamma-tubulin on cell division. If they find that substance, then it could be the basis for a new cancer treatment that only kills tumor cells and if targeted at the right place.
One major problem with cancer treatment is that most chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy not only have an effect on cancerous cells, but also damage healthy cells. This cell damage results in side effects and complications that can seriously impact a patient’s quality of life.
The Swedish investigators found that the retinoblastoma protein, which interferes with cell division, is not present in most cancer tumors. When this protein is absent, it leads to an increase in gamma-tubulin, another protein which, at elevated levels, promotes the development of cancer tumors.
That leaves the researchers with an if/then situation, and they are already searching for substances that can stop the effect of gamma-tubulin on cell division. If they find that substance, then it could be the basis for a new cancer treatment that only kills tumor cells and if targeted at the right place.
