A new molecule is causing breakthroughs in chemotherapy treatment for colon cancer.

At the University of Florida, scientists have discovered that by adding a small molecule to the chemotherapy drug, they prevent the cancer cells from repairing enzymes that were damaged by Temozolomide, which is a chemotherapy drug that is usually used against brain cancers. The tiny molecule that the people at the University of Florida discovered prevents the caner cell’s ability to recognize and repair the damage that is caused by Temozolomide. This allows the chemotherapy to work much more effectively because the tumor cells cannot repair themselves.










The discovery of this molecule has also allowed researches to use a drastically lower amount of Temozolomide. They were able to cure mice with human colon cancer tumors with about one-tenth of the drug that is needed to kill cancer cells. This means that the use of the drug with this molecule will be able to lower the harm of adverse side effects caused by chemotherapy. Researchers are currently working on being able to put Temozolomide and the molecule into a small pill or a capsule for patients to be able to take.

This is an important breakthrough because normally colon cancer is very hard to treat because the tumor cells are highly resistant to treatments and chemotherapy. Previously, the only way to treat colon cancer was with aggressive surgery with possible chemotherapy. However, the recurrence rate for colon cancer is about 30-50%, so even if it is treated it usually comes back. This combination treatment has the possibility to reduce tumors drastically and to extend the lifespan of patients with colon cancer.

A colon with cancer:





Image via Top News

Angelique & Emma

Colon Cancer Treatment

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Acknowledgements:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091208153144.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily+(ScienceDaily%3A+Latest+Science+News)&utm_content=Netvibes
www.healingdaily.com
www.topnews.in
www.wikipedia.com
http://www.chemagis.com/files/Products/temozolomide_plain.gif