In a major discovery, scientists found that blocking certain genes in cancer cells, can control the impact of chemotherapy.
The tests conducted by researchers of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre, proved this fact. The tests resulted in an important discovery that gene blocking will allow the effective usage of lower doses of chemotherapy drugs, thus, reducing the side effects in patients.
The tests were conducted by blocking certain genes found in isolated cancer cells of humans, combined with the usage of Paclitaxel, a chemotherapy drug.
A technology called the RNA interference (RNAi) was used for the gene blocking process. By nature, the DNA codes are converted by RNA, to form proteins, which a cancer cell could use to thrive. The RNAi technology closes the damaged genes and stops this conversion activity.
The tests revealed that in about 87 cases, the chemotherapy impact seemed to be low, because of the gene blocking process.
Says Professor Michael White, that by detecting those key genes which will allow lower chemotherapy doses to be very effective, can be considered as the first major step in reducing side effects in patients.
Professor White also indicated that the tests revealed genes which are not found in normal cells and therefore could be easily identified. Also blocking of genes will cause no side effects in patients.
This technique allows a quick testing of many genes and so far about 20,000 genes have been tested by researchers. Professor White adds that the main idea behind this technique is, to make use of the latest technology like RNAi, to block the individual genes required.
So far, the tests were conducted in laboratories and further research will be required, before it can be used on patients.
Supporting this is Dr Anthea Martin, who believes that the tests conducted can be considered as a first major step and as it is still unsure whether it will succeed on tumours, further research will be needed before it can be accepted.
Picture: News-Medical
Via: BBC
