Disrupt cellular mechanics
Towards solutions à la carte
The polyamines shown by the finger
30-40% less cancer risk
In and Out
Does hope come from the heart?
Starve the tumor
To proliferate, the cancer cell needs to create its own power network. By releasing growth factors, it develops a vascular network where it draws nutrients and oxygen , it is the phenomenon of angiogenesis . However, researchers have been able to develop anti-angiogenic drugs that cut short this vascularization. By thus starving the tumor, the latter is degraded and the chemotherapy is then more effective. Since any tumor lesion passes through this vascularization stage , anti-angiogenic treatments could be generalized in combination with chemotherapy. Drugs are already available for several cancers (lung, breast, kidney, colon). However, as they act on the vessels, they can cause hypertension or bleeding and can not be prescribed to people whose blood vessels are fragile (hypertension, history of thrombosis, bleeding disorders ...).
Disrupt cellular mechanics
Another mode of action targeted therapies: finding a receptor on the tumor . Each cell has genes with a well-defined role. Some are more present than others. They say they are "overexpressed". When we identify these receptors, and their role, we can develop a drug (an antibody or an inhibitory molecule) to block them and thus disrupt the proliferation of the cell , or even reduce or eliminate it. Problem: it is first, for researchers, to know the genes and / or proteins that can react, develop the right drug and finally identify these genes in patients. Currently, we know how to do this for certain breast cancers (with the HER2 receptor, or 25% of breast cancers), colorectal cancer (with a non-mutated KRAS gene, or 80% of cases), or certain liver cancers or lung .Towards solutions à la carte
Thanks to targeted therapies , doctors now think of strategies: a first treatment attempt, then a second one in case of failure. They are also moving towards "à la carte" treatments, based on individual factors (age, sex, gene identified or not ...). Thanks to targeted therapies, we can refine them, make them more effective and reduce the side effects of the most active drugs.
Thank you to Dr. Eric Dansin , Center Oscar Lambret, Regional Center for the fight against cancer, Lille.The polyamines shown by the finger
Hunting " polyamines " could be one of the keys to treatment of the future. These molecules, derived from the amino acids of the proteins found in the diet, are growth factors for cells, whether healthy or diseased. A CNRS team, led by Professor Jacques-Philippe Moulinoux , has clearly demonstrated that lowering the level of polyamines in the body literally cuts food to cancerous tumors . As nearly 80% of these "fertilizers" come from food, Pr Moulinoux has developed a line of food products for patients, rich in nutrients but low in polyamines. Marketed under the name of Castase , they are prescribed and reimbursed by Social Security .
30-40% less cancer risk
When one practices a regular physical activity, the Inserm demonstrated it very clearly last year in its works.
This will be the work of the next National Cancer Awareness Week, March 16-22 .
What are we waiting for to move?
More information on www.ligue-cancer.asso.fr
In and Out
Out: Vitamins C, E and Beta-Carotene
In just two months, two studies published in leading scientific journals concluded that there is no anti-cancer benefit. Bottom: perhaps the studies have not lasted long enough and perhaps the mode of administration (supplementation) is not suitable?
In: Flavonoids
A study conducted in Ohio (USA) on black raspberry showed that anthocyanins , a family of flavonoids , had in vitro and on rats the ability to slow down the development of cancer cells. The researchers evaluated the effective dose for humans at 60 g of raspberry powder per day.
Does hope come from the heart?
A drug used in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias may well join the anticancer therapeutic arsenal. Indeed, US researchers have evaluated the impact of more than 3,000 existing drugs, and devoid of painful side effects, on a particular protein , HIF-1 . This protein contributes to the manufacture of the tumor supply network necessary for its development . In laboratory mice, digoxin, a molecule used to regulate heart rhythm, has been shown to significantly slow the development of diseased cells. Case to follow.
Source: John Hopkins Medicine.
