The trauma of going through the excruciating pain, hair loss and nausea associated with cancer treatments could soon be a thing of past, if the recent breakthrough proves to be a success in human trials. Painless cancer treatment sans side effects could soon be a dream come true for cancer patients.
Gene scientists have created mice resistant to cancer by genetically engineering the mice to have higher levels of protein than normal. The mouse gene called Par-4 produces a protein which attacks tumor cells without affecting the healthy tissue in the body. It was found that these genetically engineered mice were immune to most forms of cancer including liver and prostrate and showed no visible side effects as well.
Kentucky University researcher Dr Vivek Rangnekar said,
If you can not only treat the cancer but also not harm the patient, that’s a major breakthrough. That’s what’s happening with these animals and I think that’s wonderful.
The researchers say that it may be possible to introduce this gene or a similar one into the body through bone marrow transplants and this method of treatment could soon be a reality in a decade. Should this be a success, cancer patients and their families could heave a sigh of relief and lead better lives.
