LIVERPOOL scientists have made a breakthrough which could help find a cure for cancer.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool’s Cancer and Polio laboratories have identified a gene that causes the spread of cancer.
They hope the discovery could lead to a new generation of drugs to stop the spread of cancer – potentially saving thousands of lives every year.
Professor Philip Rudland, who helped develop the breast cancer drug Herceptin, said: “It’s the spread of cancer from the initial tumour that leads to the death of a cancer patient.
“The genes we have discovered are fundamental to this process and can be found in most common cancers, including breast, lung and colon.
“Having discovered these genes and how they work, the next step is to develop drugs that will switch them off. If we can do this, we can stop the spread of the primary tumour, which itself can be removed surgically, and improve the chances of survival for the patient.”
The team of scientists, led by Professor Philip Rudland, are funded by Hoylake-based charity Cancer and Polio research fund.
The gene they have discovered increases the movement of white blood cells around the body, but if present in a cancerous tumour, can trigger the spread of cancer cells around the body.
Prof Rudland added: “This really is a very exciting stage of our research work, and we are grateful for the support given by Cancer and Polio Research Fund.”
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