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Metastatic cancer is, without a doubt, one among the most difficult conditions to manage. It represents a stage of disease where the abnormal cells have spread to distant sites in the body. By this time surgical intervention is off the table. There are a lot of cancer metastasis research activities aimed at reversing this grim picture. The good news is that many of them are quite promising.
Cancers are in one way or the other related to a problem at the genetic level. Mutations affecting various genes are the underlying mechanism of tumour growth. The genes that cause the growth of tissues may be overexpressed and those that are designed to prevent growth may be abnormal as well. Both of these events lead to uncontrolled growth of various tissues leading to cancer.
Modern forms of treatment are aimed at influencing events at the genetic level because It is clear that this is where the problem starts. Taking care of the defective genes effectively stops the uncontrolled cell growth. One of the studies that carries with it a lot of promise involves the use of the drug metarrestin in animal models. In the study, mice with pancreatic cancer have been put on the drug and observed. It has been shown that the drug shrinks abnormal cells selectively and prolongs the lives of the mice.
The next step in the study is human trials. As a way of preparing for this phase, the developers have created a pill containing the active molecule. It is expected that the general response will be similar as that observed in the mice. The tumor cells in the mice are damaged due to disruption of their perinucleolar compartment. Humans too have this structure and are also likely to exhibit this effect.
Immunotherapy is a strategy that many scientists have given a serious thought and indeed, followed that with actions. In this form of treatment, various conditions are treated by augmenting the effects of our natural defence mechanisms. A drug known as pembrolizumab is made up of antibodies that are proving to be quite effective in cancer therapy. By destroying the protective mechanisms of tumour cells, this drug makes it possible for these unwanted cells to be destroyed by the immune system.
In the ongoing study, the drug is being tried in HIV positive patients that have recurrent or refractory tumours. Because of the major improvements in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, many patients are living longer. Due to the reduction in immunity, a significant number of people this group of get opportunistic infections and cancers which were not being seen earlier. The study is specifically concerned with the response of these tumours to treatment.
The third study worth a mention involves modified stem cells. Stem cells are what gives rise to the various forms of mature cells in the body such as blood cells, bone cells and nerve cells among others. These cells can be modified and used as carriers of chemotherapeutic agents. They have been shown to selectively target cancer cells which is an important property when one considers the management of metastatic disease.
What have been mentioned here are just a few examples of what is taking place in the world of research. A lot of resources in time and money have been used and many more continue to be dedicated to these activities. The good news is that an effective treatment for cancer appears not to be too far off in the horizon.
Cancers are in one way or the other related to a problem at the genetic level. Mutations affecting various genes are the underlying mechanism of tumour growth. The genes that cause the growth of tissues may be overexpressed and those that are designed to prevent growth may be abnormal as well. Both of these events lead to uncontrolled growth of various tissues leading to cancer.
Modern forms of treatment are aimed at influencing events at the genetic level because It is clear that this is where the problem starts. Taking care of the defective genes effectively stops the uncontrolled cell growth. One of the studies that carries with it a lot of promise involves the use of the drug metarrestin in animal models. In the study, mice with pancreatic cancer have been put on the drug and observed. It has been shown that the drug shrinks abnormal cells selectively and prolongs the lives of the mice.
The next step in the study is human trials. As a way of preparing for this phase, the developers have created a pill containing the active molecule. It is expected that the general response will be similar as that observed in the mice. The tumor cells in the mice are damaged due to disruption of their perinucleolar compartment. Humans too have this structure and are also likely to exhibit this effect.
Immunotherapy is a strategy that many scientists have given a serious thought and indeed, followed that with actions. In this form of treatment, various conditions are treated by augmenting the effects of our natural defence mechanisms. A drug known as pembrolizumab is made up of antibodies that are proving to be quite effective in cancer therapy. By destroying the protective mechanisms of tumour cells, this drug makes it possible for these unwanted cells to be destroyed by the immune system.
In the ongoing study, the drug is being tried in HIV positive patients that have recurrent or refractory tumours. Because of the major improvements in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, many patients are living longer. Due to the reduction in immunity, a significant number of people this group of get opportunistic infections and cancers which were not being seen earlier. The study is specifically concerned with the response of these tumours to treatment.
The third study worth a mention involves modified stem cells. Stem cells are what gives rise to the various forms of mature cells in the body such as blood cells, bone cells and nerve cells among others. These cells can be modified and used as carriers of chemotherapeutic agents. They have been shown to selectively target cancer cells which is an important property when one considers the management of metastatic disease.
What have been mentioned here are just a few examples of what is taking place in the world of research. A lot of resources in time and money have been used and many more continue to be dedicated to these activities. The good news is that an effective treatment for cancer appears not to be too far off in the horizon.
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