Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have published new researching findings that identify a possible new cancer treatment, according to a news release.
The research revealed it may be possible to render cancer tumors harmless without affecting cells and tissues. The findings apply to bowel, breast, lung and other cancers. The researchers found a connection between two proteins that in different ways control cell division and the possibilities for a cancer tumor to develop.
The findings show the absence of the retinoblastoma protein leads to an increase in the gamma-tubulin protein. When present in high levels, the gamma-tubulin protein encourages the development of cancer tumors. If the protein is blocked, the tumor cells die while the healthy cells survive.
The researchers are looking for substances that can stop the effect of gamma-tubulin on cell division, which could form the basis for a new cancer drug.
"I judge the chances of finding a basis for a drug to be good, partly because there are already substances that block 'cousins' of gamma-tubulin," said Maria Alvarado-Kristensson, a researcher at Lund University, in the release.
Related Articles on Cancer Treatment:
One Third of Cancer Patients Receive Inadequate Pain Treatment
Florida Hospital Flagler Now Offers Third Eye Colonoscopy