By:Dr.Paul Tepperman
                                                           Dr.Andaleeb Fatima


Let’s be honest…there is no such thing as good news about cancer. The word itself triggers unpleasant images, and just about all of us know of at least one person who has suffered from one of the many forms of this awful disease.
Today’s generation of scientists have the advantage of combining the knowledge and understanding gained over the years with technology their predecessors couldn’t have even imagined, as well as quantum leaps in science, such as the mapping of the human genome and the ability to isolate human stem cells. And they are putting these impressive resources to work. These are just two diverse examples of the potential breakthroughs being pursued by our researchers. Here are a few of the other hot trails being followed at Canada’s universities and hospitals.

Utilizing new high throughput technology, scientists can screen large numbers of tumour specimens to determine the genetic abnormalities that cause an individual’s cancer. The goal is to allow physicians to prescribe treatment specifically designed to treat the genetic abnormality discovered in that person’s tumour. New insights into how the immune system defends the body against invaders have generated renewed interest in immunotherapies for cancer. Researchers have been working to target and stimulate cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the body’s immune system.

Researchers are developing designer drugs that will specifically target mutated genes. In theory, such drugs could make malignant cells normal again, or kill them without harming healthy cells. This will benefit the patient by providing more precise, targeted treatment of cancer that is more effective with fewer side effects, resulting in improved quality of life.

Recognition of the unique molecular and genetic alterations associated with various types of cancer offers opportunities for scientists to develop ‘correction’ or replacement genes. These new therapeutic genes would be inserted into the cancer cells where they would potentially stop or reverse the cancer process.

A new treatment - anti-angiogenic therapy - is showing promise in reducing tumours by blocking off the blood supply that allows the tumour to grow. The starved tumour becomes so weak that it is easily destroyed by radiation or chemotherapy.

Any or all of these may provide important steps towards the ultimate goal - a cure for cancer – in the not too distant future.


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