A newly discovered process to kill cancer cells can eradicate tumours and reduce the risk of side effects and recurrence of the disease, scientists say.
The method, called Caspase Independent Cell Death (CICD), completely removed tumours in experimental models.
Current treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy kill cancer cells through a process called apoptosis, which activates proteins called caspases.
However, these treatments carry the risk of side effects and often fail to kill all cancer cells, leading to disease recurrence.
Dr Stephen Tait, who led the University of Glasgow research into CICD, said the new method "often led to complete tumour regression" and "may be a more effective way to treat cancer" than apoptosis.
He added: "In essence, this mechanism has the potential to dramatically improve the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapy and reduce unwanted toxicity.
"Taking into consideration our findings, we propose that engaging CICD as a means of anti-cancer therapy warrants further investigation."
When cancer cells are killed through CICD, they alert the immune system through the release of inflammatory proteins.
The immune system can then attack tumour cells that were not killed during the initial treatment.
While colorectal cancer cells were used by researchers, the benefits of CICD may also apply to a wide-range of cancer types.
Cancer Research UK, which part-funded the research, said scientists should further research the method and develop ways to trigger it in humans.
"Although many cancer treatments work by triggering apoptosis, that method sometimes fails to finish the job and instead may lead to the tumour becoming harder to treat," spokesperson Dr Justine Alford said.
"This new research suggests there could be a better way to kill cancer cells which, as an added bonus, also activates the immune system."
FOLLOW US ON:
Connect with Joshua Osagie (Blog owner)
WHEN ON WEB VIEW, SEE OUR TOP LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE BAR FOR LIVE STREAM NEWS CHANNELS (GLOBAL AND NIGERIAN )
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW US ON:
> The Forefront on Twitter
>BBM Channel: C002CB006 {WELCOME TO THE FOREFRONT
>{Instagram: the_forefront_nigeria }
Connect with Joshua Osagie (Blog owner)
Share this post with others on social media with options below.
VIA SHARES, COMMENTS AND LIKES, JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FEED PLUGIN DOWN THE SITE (SWITCH TO WEB VIEW FOR PAGE UPDATES IF YOU ARE ON MOBILE VERSION OF THE SITE).
No comments:
Post a Comment
Disclaimer!!! Opinions expressed in comments do not represent THE FOREFRONT MEDIA NG's views. All participants are entitled to their opinions. Thank you!!!
Advertise on the Forefront: For advert placement in the blog or advert posts like news updates, reach +2348124620827 [WhatsApp].
Copyright 2023 The Forefront Media Ng. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from The Forefront Media Ng