New cancer therapy holds potential to switch off major cancer types (princeton.edu)

Article summary

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a new compound that can disable a key gene called MTDH, which is implicated in several major types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, liver, and colon cancer. The compound has been shown to be effective in mice and human tissue, and the researchers hope to begin human trials in a few years. The MTDH gene is not essential for normal cells, making it a promising target for cancer treatment. The researchers believe that their discovery could lead to a new cancer therapy with few or no side effects.

Main themes

• cancer research
• gene therapy
• evolution and aging
• cancer treatment
• metastatic cancer
• drug development

What commenters say

• The discovery of the MTDH gene and its potential as a cancer treatment target is a significant breakthrough in cancer research.
• Metastatic cancer research needs more funding to develop effective treatments.
• Gene therapy is not yet a viable option for treating cancer in humans, but it may be in the future.
• The concept of evolution selecting for genes that are useful in youth but harmful in old age is relevant to the discussion of cancer and aging.
• The idea that evolution would select for genes that are useless outside of helping cancer is misleading, as genes can have multiple functions.
• The potential side effects of the new compound are a concern, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on humans.
• The comparison between the new compound and existing cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, is relevant to the discussion of its potential benefits and drawbacks.