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Breakthrough in cancer research

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A breakthrough in cancer research could see one drug used to combat a multitude of different forms of the disease.

Scientists say they have uncovered the structure of an enzyme called telomerase which, when active, makes cancer cells immortal, allowing them to multiply and cause the spread of the disease.

Now the discovery has been made, experts believe they can create a drug to block the enzyme and prevent tumour growth.

US researcher Dr Emmanuel Skordalakes explained: 'Telomerase is an ideal target for chemotherapy because it is active in almost all human tumours, but inactive in most normal cells.

'That means that a drug that deactivates telomerase would likely work against all cancers, with few side effects.'

Professor Rob Newbold from Brunel University said it was a 'very important' achievement.

'Telomerase controls the evolution of cancers – and is a key characteristic of human cancer cells. The idea is that you could convert immortal cancer cells back into mortal ones by blocking telomerase in this way.'

Monday 1 September 2008

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Hi I am a 42 year old male. For the past year I have been going to the liver clinic in Birmingham I have a raised alpha protien in my blood which was at one point over 7000 at present it is about 3800 I was told that I had cancer in my liver but till yet they can not find a cencer or the cause of the raised alpha protien. I would be very greatful if you could put me in to contact with someone who could help me clear up my situation. Have I got cancer or not? Thanks.
Comment by jaswant bansal on September 01 11:57

I do hope something like this will work and we can stop this terrible disease that affects so many peoples lives.
Comment by SR on September 01 14:28