Originally published July 8 2005
War on cancer making strides with tumor-suppressor genes
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Paul Cairns, a molecular biologist, is searching for tumor-suppressor genes that have been "silenced." If Cairns can locate these silenced genes in human bodily fluids, physicians will have access to a series of non-invasive tests to detect cancer early, thus increasing chances of survival.
AT FOX CHASE Cancer Center, it's safe to say that the war on cancer is being fought at all decibel levels.
Don't be surprised to hear the words "radioactive payload," "targets" and "smart bombs" when it comes to research being done by Dr. Gregory P. Adams to detect and kill cancer tumors.
If Cairns can locate these silenced genes in a person's bodily fluids, he thinks that physicians will have access to a series of non-invasive tests to detect cancer early - the key to survival for many cancer patients.
Adams' includes engineered antibody fragments called diabodies, just one third the size of a human antibody, that are used to carry radioactive particles to a specific target in a cancer cell.
This so-called "smart bomb" then dumps its radioactive payload directly on the cancer cell - slowing tumor growth, even shrinking the tumor, while preserving healthy cells around it.
The smaller size "allows them to leave the bloodstream rapidly and reach tumors effectively," said Adams.
"This makes the molecules ideal vehicles not only for seeking out cancer cells, but for delivering a radioactive death blow."
According to Cairns, tumor-suppressor genes are part of the body's natural defense against cancer.
But cancer cells turn off these tumor-suppressor genes, which then allows the cancer cells to grow.
In essence, Cairns and his team look for tumor-suppressor genes that have been "silenced."
Using a molecular DNA test that is extremely precise, Cairns said that he can detect even a few cancer cells among hundreds of healthy cells.
These silenced genes produce abnormal patterns of methylation, which act as a red flag for detecting cancers.
Using a molecular DNA-based test, Cairns and a team of Fox Chase researchers can determine whether or not methylation is present in a particular gene.
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