MELBOURNE, Oct 16:
Australian researchers have discovered that a gene which prompts growth of tumours in about a quarter of stomach cancer cases can be blocked by antibodies.
Scientists led by the Monash Institute of Medical Research have found that a gene which produces a protein called toll-like receptor 2 was overactivated in about 25 per cent of cancer patients, The Age reported.
Researchers found that the protein was causing tumour cells to grow, and that antibodies could counteract it in mice.
“It was quite remarkable, over a 10-week period the antibodies actually stopped these tumours from growing,” senior researcher Brendan Jenkins said.
“The antibody treatment is expected to move into human trials within the next couple of years, and would be offered in addition to existing treatments such as chemotherapy before and after surgery,” Jenkins said.
“We will identify patients who have increasing amounts of this protein, and treat them with the antibody together with the current standard treatment,” he said.
“Our belief is that by doing that we can stop or slow down the growth of tumours, and reduce the chance they will spread to other parts of the body, Jenkins added.
Screening for the protein could also be used to capture stomach cancer in its early stages, allowing for more effective treatment.
He said the finding might be relevant to other cancers in which chronic inflammation could lead to the development of cancer, such as colon, liver and lung cancers.
“There is emerging evidence that this gene and genes like it may be playing an important role in other inflammation-type cancers,” he said.
“We are on the verge of a massive explosion in medical research throughout the world focusing on these toll-like receptors and their role in a number of diseases.The study was published in the journal Cancer Cell. (PTI)
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