One method that is currently in use to shrink tumors, is to cut off provided oxygen (from low-oxygen environments) via blood supply; this is done by taking anti-angiogenesis drugs. Angiogenesis is a process of forming new blood vessels. Stopping angeiogenesis will, in a sense, starve the tumor and not allow it to spread.
The researches at University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified two proteins that link the increased motility of these cells with areas of low-oxygen or hypoxia. One of these proteins are responsible for signaling when hypoxia is activated (Src). The other protein is regulated by Src, neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, or N-WASP for short. When the researches used protein inhibitors to shut off Src and N-WASP, hypoxia "lost its ability to augment cell movement". This means, spreading came to a stop.
In the end, the idea of creating anti-motility drugs are in close reach.
I think the vary idea would be awesome! To be able to stop the spread of tumor, thus possibly saving ones' life if caught early. My only question is, with this research being specific to the malignant gliomas cells, how can this be applied to other tumorous cells?
Just tell me what do y'all think about it, I'm excited to hear y'alls feedback!
Link to article:
Proteins Identified That May Help Brain Tumors Spread
Link to article:
Proteins Identified That May Help Brain Tumors Spread
I don't know about you but I would not be that comfortable knowing someone wants to move my blood vessels around. I just feel like that is going to cause a lot more harm than good. Also what would stop the tumor from entering into nearby tissues?
ReplyDeleteThey're not moving blood vessels, instead, they are stopping formation of blood vessels; this stops new paths for the tumor to spread through. To answer your second question, according to the article, to limit it's motility, they focused on what the tumor needs to survive, oxygen. Starve it of that, and it shouldn't be able to reach healthy tissues.
DeleteThis is interesting. I wonder if something could accidentally go wrong to where the wrong cells get their oxygen cut off? It seems as of now that their is more pros than cons, but it'll be cool to see where this research goes in the future.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think of it in that aspect. I'm guessing the technique they used is specific to the receptors they are trying to reach, thus will only stop oxygen to these areas of interest. But who is to say things will not go wrong. Sounds like a lawsuit ready to happen huh?!
DeleteThalidomide was used in the 1950s and 60s to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. Unfortunately, the drug can cross the placenta, and because the drug turned out to be anti-angiogenic it led to severe birth defects. More recently it has been used to successfully treat multiple myeloma. I think it is because the anti-angiogenic properties starve the malignant cells and slow the disease progression. If the motility of these glioma cells can be stopped, then anti-angiogensis may be a viable option.
ReplyDeleteWow. I did not know this. Quite interesting. But yes, I agree with you, anti-angiogensis can be a great option if done correctly. Unfortunately, it did not work out for those women who were treated for morning sickness.
Delete