Gene Therapy

Gene Therapy and the Search For New Cures For Cancer

By Jamie Khee

Gene therapy is the insertion of genes into an individual's cell and tissues to treat a disease. First, the doctors need to find the cancer genes and understand how they operate, thus identifying the molecular markers of the cancer. This 1-2-3 loop is called the translational research and is the method whereby new cures for cancer patients are found and there are still many cancer genes out there waiting to be arrested with this method. Take two common cancers-

Colon and rectal cancers and breast cancer. For Colon and rectal patients, researchers have began to see the relevance of the gene called epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR). This gene has been found in many other cancers from oral cavity, throat, lung, oesophagus to stomach cancer. For breast cancer, after decades of research into the molecular genetics of this cancer, researchers have identified the genes responsible for the cancer growth, which is the HER2-neu gene, also known as the c-erbB2. Herceptin has also been proven very useful in improving the cure rates for those who sought early treatment.

Technology has enabled doctors to identify the importance of molecular markers in finding cures for cancer. Gene therapy has changed all that and reduced the pain while increasing the effectiveness of cures through customising therapies based on the molecular genetics of the cancer.

I suggest you check out my other CANCER summary on:

• Dogs May Hold Key to How to Fight Cancer
• Red Face Linked to Cancer of Esophagus
• Drink Hot Tea and it May Lead to Cancer
• Discover This Night Shift Health Problem
• Secrets to Finding the Right Cancer Center

Tag: Gene Therapy, Gene Therapy