Click here: Enzyme behind cancer identified-Health/Sci-The Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Enzyme_behind_cancer_identified/articleshow/2870397.cms
Enzyme behind cancer identified
LONDON: Scientists have discovered a key part of the mechanism that makes cancer cells so dangerous, a breakthrough which they claim could enable them to stop tumour growth in its tracks.
The scientists, led by researchers from the Harvard Medical School, have identified an enzyme which enables cancer cells to consume the huge quantities of glucose they need to fuel uncontrolled growth.
Though the key enzyme, known as pyruvate kinase, comes in two forms, the researchers found that only one — the PKM2 form — enables cancer cells to consume glucose at an accelerated rate.
“Because PKM2 is found in all of the cancer cells that we have examined, because it is not found in most normal adult tissues, and because it is critical for tumour formation, this form of pyruvate kinase is a possible target for cancer therapy,” according to lead researcher Prof Lewis Cantley.
In their experiment on rodents, when they forced cancer cells to switch to other form of pyruvate kinase in the laboratory by knocking out production of PKM2, their growth was curbed.
Subsequently, when the cells were injected into the laboratory mice, they were much less able to produce tumours, the researchers reported in the Nature journal.
Amazing! Wonderful news!
Comment by Joseph52 — March 17, 2008 @ 5:28 pm
So Grimmy.
Which cancer patients will get this miracle cure?
Perhaps only the one who can afford the price set by the free market?
Or should everyone suffering get treatment?
Think about your answer carefully.
You laissez faire past is at issue here.
–Volt–
Comment by Volt — March 17, 2008 @ 7:47 pm
Its great news,I dont think My heart can take anymore loss of loved ones to cancer.
My Grandfather on my Mothers side passed at 39
years old,living well past forty I’ve considered every year since to be a blessing as I get to enjoy them with My Grandchildren.
The thought that They may never have to stand by helpless while People they love suffer a lingering painfilled death too young is gratifying to say the least.
My hope is that this line of research opens new doors into cures for cancer related illnesses,
this is what Mankind was meant for,not war or profiteering.
Comment by Rainlander — March 17, 2008 @ 11:24 pm
The question is, will the FDA ever allow it to be used or will they hide it away under the guise of the old “needs further studies” line so they can continue selling snake oil symptom fixes? Meanwhile people continue suffering.
Comment by kerry — March 19, 2008 @ 12:44 pm