Researchers have uncovered a specific gene that can reveal the likelihood of prostate cancer spreading in patients. Researchers suggest that by targeting this gene, they can add years to patients’ lives.
The gene is known as NSD2. It was identified through a computer algorithm that was intended to uncover genes relevant to humans that spread in mouse models. The researchers were able to turn off the identified gene, and they saw a significant decrease in the spread of cancer.
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Lead author Antonina Mitrofanova explained, “Currently, when a patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer, physicians can determine how advanced a tumor is but not whether the patients’ cancer will spread. If we can determine whether a patient’s cancer is likely to spread at the time of diagnosis, we can start them on a targeted treatment plan as soon as possible to decrease the likelihood of their cancer spreading.”
The researchers are now working on developing a targeted treatment of NSD2 in hopes of slowing down cancer progression. The researchers also encourage doctors to screen for NSD2 to identify patients who are at high risk of cancer spreading quickly.
They’re hopeful that their screening process could help identify genes in other cancers which may lend way to improved treatments.
Also read:
- Drinking coffee may scientifically decrease your risk of prostate cancer
- 4 factors that increase your risk of prostate cancer
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
