Colon cancer can be stopped by turning on a protein ‘like a light switch’: study

Health

as if Alex Mitchell

This could be a breakthrough in the prevention of colon cancer.

Australian National University researchers have learned how to use a cancer-fighting protein that can clear damaged DNA from the body “like a light switch.”

“Actively, the protein acts as a surveillance system, detecting signs of damaged DNA in our cells,” said researcher Dr. Abhimanu Pandey. He spoke about the protein Ku70.

He added that “damaged DNA” is normally an early warning sign that cells may become cancerous. Ku70 has the ability to at least reverse or stop the damage.

“Our research shows that Ku70 can ‘freeze’ cancer cells and clean up damaged DNA. The protein prevents cancer cells from becoming more aggressive and spreading throughout the body, essentially killing them and keeping them dormant.

126,240 cases of colorectal cancer in the United States It has been reported In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It claimed 51,869 lives that year.

In Australia, where the study was conducted, 100 people die every week from colon cancer, the study found.

However, according to data now published in Science Advances, 90% of cases can be successfully treated if caught early.

“We know that early detection and treatment is important to defeat not only colon cancer, but other cancers,” said researcher Si Ming Man Man.

Screening for cancers such as colon will soon include testing for Ku70 levels, Mann added.

“Our study shows that Ku70 is a good immune biomarker, which means it can help us predict who will do better or worse after colon cancer is diagnosed.”