Managing to block metastasis, the strategy adopted by tumour cells to transform into an aggressive form of cancer, or even better, prevent their formation, would be a giant step towards the fight against cancer. And reports [s]Science Newsline[/s], researchers in [b]Belgium[/b] have successfully performed this world first on models of human tumours in mice. The work by Professor Pierre Sonveaux's team, at [b]Université catholique de Louvain's Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC)[/b], succeeded in pinpointing a family of pharmaceutical compounds whose action prevents the appearance of tumour metastasis.
A new [b]Cincinnati Cancer Centre (CCC)[/b] study, meanwhile, provides hope that previously studied protein SapC-DOPS could be used for the treatment of brain metastases. [s]HealthCanal[/s] reports that Xiaoyang Qi, associate professor in the division of haematology oncology at the [b]University of Cincinnati College of Medicine[/b], says this critical data shows promise for finding treatment for one of the deadliest of cancers. A lysosomal protein saposin C (SapC), and a phospholipid, known as dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS), can be combined and assembled into tiny cavities, or nanovesicles, to target and kill many forms of cancer cells.’ These results support the potential for SapC-DOPS for the diagnosis and therapy of primary and metastatic brain tumours, which is critically needed to increase survival rates of patients with this illness,’ Qi said.
[link url=http://www.sciencenewsline.com/articles/2014072417310019.html]Full Science Newsline report[/link]
[link url=http://www.cell.com/cell-reports/abstract/S2211-1247(14)00527-0]Cell Reports article summary[/link]
[link url=http://www.healthcanal.com/brain-nerves/53482-metastatic-brain-tumor-treatment-could-be-on-the-horizon-with-sapc-dops-use.html]Full HealthCanal report[/link]
[link url=http://www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget/index.php?journal=oncotarget&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=2214]Oncotarget abstract[/link]