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Posted on Mar 16, 2005, 6 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
Scientists have found a way to block the development of cancer by putting tumour cells into a permanent coma. The Marie Curie Research Institute believes the breakthrough holds the promise of a completely new way to treat the disease. Current treatments are based on cutting out or killing cancer cells.
Scientists have found a way to block the development of cancer by putting tumour cells into a permanent coma.
The Marie Curie Research Institute believes the breakthrough holds the promise of a completely new way to treat the disease.
Current treatments are based on cutting out or killing cancer cells.
The new method works by reactivating a natural self-defence mechanism which blocks cells carrying potentially dangerous mutations from dividing.
In normal circumstances, this mechanism prevents damaged cells from reproducing themselves by putting them into a state known as senescence.
But in cancer it is somehow switched off, allowing cell division to run riot, and leading to the formation of tumours.
Scientists previously thought that in cancers the mechanism was damaged beyond repair.
Current treatments are based on cutting out or killing cancer cells.
The new method works by reactivating a natural self-defence mechanism which blocks cells carrying potentially dangerous mutations from dividing.
In normal circumstances, this mechanism prevents damaged cells from reproducing themselves by putting them into a state known as senescence.
But in cancer it is somehow switched off, allowing cell division to run riot, and leading to the formation of tumours.
Scientists previously thought that in cancers the mechanism was damaged beyond repair.
