Researchers at the Australian National University have made a significant discovery in colon cancer prevention. They have found a way to activate a cancer-blocking protein using medicine, which can effectively clear damaged DNA from the body, akin to turning on a light switch. According to Dr. Abhimanu Pandey, the protein Ku70 acts as a surveillance system in its activated state, capable of detecting signs of damaged DNA in cells. This damaged DNA is a common early warning sign that cells may become cancerous. Ku70 has the potential to reverse or halt the damage, essentially preventing cancer cells from becoming more aggressive and spreading throughout the body, deactivating them and keeping them dormant.
Existing drugs are believed to have the ability to activate the protein that detects cancer warning signs. ChrisChrisWIn 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 126,240 cases of colorectal cancer in the United States, leading to 51,869 deaths. In Australia, where the research was conducted, 100 people die weekly from a form of bowel cancer. However, the data, published in Science Advances, indicates that 90% of cases could be successfully treated if detected early on. According to researcher Si Ming Man, early detection and treatment are crucial for overcoming not just bowel cancer, but potentially other cancers as well.
Researchers are excited about the potential demonstrated by this protein. ljubaphotoMan also mentioned that screening for colon cancer and similar cancers may soon involve checking for Ku70 levels. He explained that their research indicates Ku70 is a good immune biomarker, which can aid in predicting the prognosis for individuals diagnosed with bowel cancer.
