Controlling Prostate Cancer Androgens
Thousands of men suffering from prostate cancer could be saved by a gene therapy. In a major breakthrough, scientists have found a way of "switching off" the spread of advanced prostate cancer and shrinking tumours.
Experts have used gene therapy to stop the cancer cells responding to male hormones - called androgens - which fuel the spread of the disease. In more than half the 27 000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year doctors try to bring the disease under control by stopping production of androgens, including testosterone. Hormone therapy is used to suppress testosterone, which feeds the cancerous growth.
In most cases, however, this treatment only works for a limited time as the cancer is no longer sensitive to hormone control and finds other ways of proliferating.
The new gene therapy gets to the root of the problem by effectively "blocking" male hormones from feeding the cancer. Although it is not a total cure, it could slow the progression of the disease to the extent that sufferers will be able to lead normal lives. The genes are delivered into the cancer via a virus that is harmless to the body, which is given in an injection.
Researchers say tests have shown the treatment works on cancer cells in the laboratory, and in tests on animals. Trials on humans are expected within three to five years. It is hoped the treatment will become widely available early in the next decade. Jim Shaw
|
