DALLAS, Dec 2, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. scientists say they've found a
protein that normally suppresses the growth of cancer can also cause aggressive
cancer growth after prolonged exposure.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researchers said the protein
-- transforming growth factor beta1 -- can cause cancer cells to become even
more aggressive and likely to spread.
The mechanism for the reversal is unknown, but the researchers and their
colleagues at the Indiana University of Medicine -- led by co-senior
collaborator Dr. Lindsey Mayo -- suspect cancerous cells activate a defense
mechanism in response to the lethal protein. That mechanism turns on a cascade
of cancer-promoting genes.
The study's other co-senior author, Dr. David Boothman of UT Southwestern's
Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, said clinicians might be able to exploit
the rebound for better treatments.
"These genetic changes would start prior to metastases, so if we detect them
early, we might be able to tailor treatment in anticipation of a more aggressive
cancer," Boothman said.
The study, conducted on cells from mice and in samples from women with
metastatic breast cancer, is available online and is to appear in the January
issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International