Cancer that has metastasized is one in which the abnormal cells have spread to distant organs so that they also cause problems in this destination organ. This stage is often referred to as stage four and is inoperable. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are usually of marginal benefit if at all. This story may soon change if the efforts being put in cancer metastasis research bear fruit.
It has been established over the years that the underlying problem in cancer is the presence of genetic defects whether congenital or acquired. These defects are also termed at mutations and they interfere with the normal growth process of cells leading to uncontrolled growth and ultimately, tumours. These cancerous cells may break off and travel to other sites leading to what is termed metastasis.
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.
Another major trial in this area is that of a drug known as pembrolizumab. This drug is an antibody used in immunotherapy. It mainly works by destroying the protective mechanism of tumour cells. By so doing, the tumour cells are exposed and can easily be destroyed by the immune system of the host. In theory, if all tumour cells are killed, then cure from the cancer will be attained.
In the pembrolizumab study, several known HIV/AIDS patients with either refractory or recurrent cancers have been enrolled for follow up. While the use of antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved survival rates of persons with this condition, their immune system has an inherent weakness and they may not always be able to mount an adequate response against some conditions. Pembrolizumab is given to weaken the cancer cells and give their immune cells a fighting chance.
The third research that is worth mentioning is one that involves the use of modified stem cells in the delivery of chemotherapy to tumour cells. Stem cells are cells that give rise to other forms of cells. For instance, bone cells arise from bone stem cells. It has been established that these stem cells can be modified in a way that allows them to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells. The study is still at The level of animal models but also looks promising.
The examples here are just a tip of the ice berg. A lot more commendable work is going on and is all aimed at felling the great giant that is cancer. Indeed, there is a lot more that us yet to be done but the future already looks promising. There is a need for concerted efforts involving governments and the private sector so as to reach the solution sooner rather than later.
It has been established over the years that the underlying problem in cancer is the presence of genetic defects whether congenital or acquired. These defects are also termed at mutations and they interfere with the normal growth process of cells leading to uncontrolled growth and ultimately, tumours. These cancerous cells may break off and travel to other sites leading to what is termed metastasis.
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.
Another major trial in this area is that of a drug known as pembrolizumab. This drug is an antibody used in immunotherapy. It mainly works by destroying the protective mechanism of tumour cells. By so doing, the tumour cells are exposed and can easily be destroyed by the immune system of the host. In theory, if all tumour cells are killed, then cure from the cancer will be attained.
In the pembrolizumab study, several known HIV/AIDS patients with either refractory or recurrent cancers have been enrolled for follow up. While the use of antiretroviral therapy has significantly improved survival rates of persons with this condition, their immune system has an inherent weakness and they may not always be able to mount an adequate response against some conditions. Pembrolizumab is given to weaken the cancer cells and give their immune cells a fighting chance.
The third research that is worth mentioning is one that involves the use of modified stem cells in the delivery of chemotherapy to tumour cells. Stem cells are cells that give rise to other forms of cells. For instance, bone cells arise from bone stem cells. It has been established that these stem cells can be modified in a way that allows them to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells. The study is still at The level of animal models but also looks promising.
The examples here are just a tip of the ice berg. A lot more commendable work is going on and is all aimed at felling the great giant that is cancer. Indeed, there is a lot more that us yet to be done but the future already looks promising. There is a need for concerted efforts involving governments and the private sector so as to reach the solution sooner rather than later.
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