The tumor-suppressor gene p53 complexed with DNA
Credit: Protein Data Bank
SYDNEY, 3 August 2006 - Oral cancer cells develop along two specific pathways, an insight that will make early treatment possible, according to Paul Harrison, the lead scientist on the project at Glasgow's Beatson Institute for Cancer Research.
Previously, scientists believed cancer cells travelled at a constant rate on road of degeneration. Now, British scientists have showed so called 'mortal' cells are more treatable. The troublesome cells are the 'immortal' cells, which are more likely to reappear after treatment.
"The data we collected provide strong evidence for the first time that some mouth cancer tumours are more aggressive than others and are therefore linked to poorer patient survival," said Harrison.
The studies took samples of pre-cancerous lesions (mouth sores) from 16 people with cancer and four people without cancer.
The scientists believed that early identification of the cells' mortality could reveal the disease's level of aggression and therefore help doctors determine the appropriate treatment.
Mutated genes were found to play a role in the more aggressive form of the cancer. Specifically, when the gene p53 (which prevents damaged cells from dividing) and gene p16 (which maintains cell regulation) are damaged, tumours may be more aggressive. Identifying the faulty genes responsible for progression will create more targeted diagnostic tests.
Evidence also showed that "cigarette smoke contains carcinogens which cause mutations and changes in cells which generate the cancer formation," Harrison told South Africa's IOL website.
Jim Bishop, chief executive officer of the Cancer Institute of New South Wales is encouraged by the British research. "Once a new gene abnormality is identified, you can discover new ways to block the malignant cells from growing," he said.
"Sixty per cent of people diagnosed with oral cancers are smokers, and excessive alcohol significantly boost the risk."
He said the research was particularly poignant, coming at a time when the graphic depictions of oral cancer on cigarette packets are in the media.
Around 260 people are diagnosed with either mouth or tongue cancer in the Australian state of New South Wales each year, with approximately 135 also dying from the two diseases, according to Cancer Institute NSW.
"The good news is that oral cancer can largely be prevented. Around three quarters of mouth cancers are stopped by quitting smoking and reducing alcohol," said Bishop.
with AFP
