One of the first chemotherapy drugs, developed in 1940, seems to work against a genetic defect that causes cancer of the colon and rectum, and other forms of the disease, say British scientists.
People with the defective gene is prone to cancer of the colon and rectum.
In laboratory tests researchers found that methotrexate was able to destroy cells containing the faulty gene called MSH2.
These results, experts say, could lead to treatments for specific forms of cancer caused by this gene. Propensity
genetic disease syndrome known as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer or HNPCC (also known as Lynch syndrome) means that the person has a propensity to develop certain forms of cancer.
Close 90% of men and 70% of women with this defect have developed colorectal cancer when they meet for 70 years.
This adds about 5% of all cases of colon and rectal cancer. But the defect also contributes to tumors in the stomach, uterus, ovaries and kidneys.
What is exciting about methotrexate is that it selectively destroys the cells that do not have the function of MSH2
Prof. Alan Ashworth
About 40% of people with HNPCC have a defect in the MSH2 gene.
This gene usually plays an important role in repairing DNA damage, but if defective errors can accumulate in cells and increase the risk of developing cancer.
People who develop the disease as a result of the defect in the gene may have more than one tumor, making it more difficult to treat the disorder.
years after it was first used in the United States continues to be commonly used methotrexate in the treatment of leukemia.
The drug works by preventing cancer cells grow and multiply, but usually it is not used to attack solid tumors because there are newer and better medicines against them.
"What is exciting about methotrexate is that it selectively destroys the cells that do not have the function of MSH2" said Professor Alan Ashworth, who led the study at the Institute of Cancer Research.
"This indicates that the drug could be an excellent treatment for patients with genetic alteration" expressing science. Treatment
far
The study may lead to tailored treatments.
For his part, Dr Lesley Walker, from Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, says that "in the past, there have been many treatments that kill cells indiscriminately."
"But with improvements in scientific understanding, we are now beginning to offer specific therapies that are targeted for genetic flaws in cancer.
"It's really fascinating that our scientists have discovered that an old drug like this offer new hope for this specific group of patients," said the expert.
Scientists are now beginning a clinical trial in an English hospital to see how effective is methotrexate to treat patients with advanced cancer of the colon and rectum.
* Source: BBC World
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