Breast cancer's drug resistance

A article by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center explains how researchers have discovered an unexpected relationship between levels of the amino acid leucine (found in beef, chicken, pork and fish and other foods) and the development of tamoxifen resistance in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. These findings reveal a potential new strategy for overcoming resistance to endocrine drugs in ER positive breast cancer patients.

    

Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer in the United States is—The most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity.The most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women.The second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

Breakthrough Finds Molecules that Block Previously 'Undruggable' Protein Tied to Cancer

Scientists at the University of Kansas made a discovery in a protein that can bind to RNA receptors and can promote tumor growth. These are the future molecules found that can disrupt the HuR-RNA binding and release the RNA which blocks the function of HuR as a protein that is tumor promoting. Research has shown that HuR levels are high in many types of cancers tested. Inhibitors may be the treatment in curing many cancers.The study done by the university tested and proved that HuR is druggable. The researchers verified that the compounds they found could be novel for curing cancer.

This research could potential help us find a cure for cancer. It could open an entirely new class for cancer drugs. This could help cure all different types of cancer and in the end could be a very good thing. On the downfall we have to make sure there are no possible side effects to blocking the function of HuR also known as the tumor promoting. Further research would need to be done on proteins that block receptors. 

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Alzheimer's Mice Treated with Cancer Drug

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disease that destroys memory and the ability to control connections between the brain cells. The Yale School of Medicine researchers reported that memory and connections between brain cells were restored in mice with Alzheimer's disease when given an experimental cancer drug.

The drug, AZ005030, was not found to be effective in treating tumors. However, it was found to block damage triggered by the formation of amyloid-beta plaques, which is a prominent problem in Alzheimer's. When the experimental mice were given AZ005030, their memory was restored. The drug blocked the activation of the enzyme FYN, which leads to the loss of synaptic connections between brain cells. Therefore, the connections between the brain cells in the mice were restored.

I think this article is very interesting because it demonstrates how one drug can have alternate uses in different diseases. Although this particular drug was not effective in cancer, it was found to be effective in Alzheimer's.

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Copper: The Newest Treatment in Cancer Research

A newly conducted study at the Bielefeld University suggests that a compound containing copper may be the new cancer treatment and preventive used in patients. The copper compound has recently been found to kill and stop the cancer cells from spreading faster then the common drug cisplatin used today. The cisplatin is used in chemotherapy to attack the DNA in the cancer cell but the drug also has many side effects. The newly formed copper compound however works by binding with the cancer cells phosphates and changes the DNA of the cell so it is no longer able to function as it did.

Overall, I believe this was a very interesting article. Cancer is a horrible disease and I believe that anything if something natural, like copper, can be used then it should instead of harsh chemicals used in chemotherapy. Although much more research needs to be conducted before patients are treated with the copper compound, I believe it is one step further in the right direction to combat the horrible disease that effects millions each year.

Found at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150302071134.htm

Attacking Cancer Cells' Metabolisms

In a recent study, scientists have found numerous changes in metabolism of cancer cells. These metabolism changes have given a broader scope to the way scientists can look at cancer cells. The article from HealthDay posted in US News summarizes the general findings of the scientists. They believe that with this new information, researchers will now be able to look at how different tumors can change their metabolism based on their needs of survival. The scientists main hope are that by targeting the different metabolisms of the many different cancer cells, cancer will be able to be fought from its roots. They believe that by shutting down the metabolism of a cancer cell you will be able to completely shut down and suppress the growth of the cell.