Messenger Enzyme May be Key to Stopping the Spread of Cancer
It has been estimated that the spread of cancer from its original point of growth is the direct cause of 90 percent of all cancer-related deaths. This fact has long been known, but a new insight into the process may lead to promising new cancer drugs that may slow or stop the deadly progression.
In a report written by the Institute of Cancer Research and published in the Cancer Cell journal, researchers indicate that they have pinpointed an enzyme that is imperative to the process of metastasis. This enzyme, known as LOX (lysyl oxidase), essentially serves as a cancer messenger, broadcasting signals to new areas of the body where the cancer has not yet spread. As a result of these signals, a preparation process is instigated which reduces the hostility of the new area and allows the cancer to latch on and grow in the new environment.
The identification of LOX as an essential element of metastasis has been heralded as a landmark discovery. Dr. Janine Erler, head researcher for the project, refers to the finding as a “crucial missing piece in the jigsaw that scientists have been searching for.”
Dr. Erler shows further enthusiasm that the finding will soon lead to new cancer drugs that block the ability of the enzyme to properly function. Ideally, this would result in cancer tumors remaining localized, an outcome that should result in a steep decline in cancer-related deaths.
Of course, in order for a LOX-focused cancer drug to work, cancer patients would need to be diagnosed before metastasis has taken place. Because of this, increased efforts in screening and early diagnosis procedures need to be reinforced as well.
Resource:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7813072.stm
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/88262/Cancer-cure-is-step-closer
