University researchers are hard at work this summer

Researchers at the University's Cancer Institute have discovered a treatment that prevents the formation of tumors in mice genetically programmed to get cancer. According to Mark Greene, Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, the new treatment is the first proof that the growth of genetically-based cancer tumors can be deterred, and offers encouraging data in the search for a method to prevent cancerous tumors in humans. The technique, published in the July issue of Nature Medicine, involves the use of antibodies against a protein produced on the surface of tumor cells. Greene's research team demonstrated that when antibodies were applied to the tumor cells, the subsequent annihilation of the protein allowed the cells to resume normal growth. "What this means is that we can effectively suppress tumor development in a large fraction of these mice for almost their entire life span," said Research Assistant Professor Makoto Katsumata, who coauthored the report. But despite the encouraging results, the current treatment is not yet applicable to humans, and it will take years before the treatment could be made commonly available. "We aren't thinking of putting it into human's yet -- it's a mouse antibody," said Katsumata. "However, we're now working on small molecules that mimic this antibody. These are the type of chemicals that can be mass-produced for use on humans," Katsumata added. The most practical application of the treatment to humans would be to possibly prevent the recurrence of breast cancer in women who have had prior surgery to remove breast tumors, said Greene. Genetically-driven cancer and the use of genes to help eradicate the disease is a hot topic of research at the University's Cancer Center, with at least two other research projects currently underway in this field. One of the projects, led by Barbara Weber, Associate Professor of Medicine and Genetics and Director of the Breast Cancer Program, involves the search to find mutated genes which greatly increase a person's risk of breast cancer. Weber's team is currently mapping the various mutations observed on a gene discovered last fall, called BRCA1, and is also working to isolate another gene which carries mutations known to increase one's risk of breast cancer. "Those who have the gene not only get breast cancer at very striking rates, but also at earlier ages," said Weber. However, despite the possible advantages of knowing who is more susceptible to breast cancer than others, the test for the BRCA1 gene has become controversial because of the legal and ethical issues involved. Because insurance companies would most likely deny coverage to a person known to carry the particular gene, many patients attempt to keep the information private, Weber said. In addition, there are psychological difficulties with knowing that one is more likely to get breast cancer, said Weber, especially if one feels guilty about the possibility of passing the gene on to one's children. "It's quite a morass, because it's all so new," said Weber. In another research project, scientists are using gene therapy to treat a type of lung cancer strongly linked to prior asbestos exposure. The technique involves inserting a "killer" gene into the cancer cells, which allows the cells to be destroyed by a drug called ganciclovir. 'We're very excited, although we know that this particular treatment may not work," said Steven Albelda, Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of Lung Research and Co-director of Thoracic Oncology Laboratories. Albelda added that he is "absolutely convinced gene therapy will be a major player in the treatment of cancer down the road."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.