University of Florida Shands Cancer
Center researchers have found a weakness in the protective barrier cancer cells maintain to keep from being
destroyed. Cancer cells manufacture an enzyme that bonds with a protein, which prevents chemotherapy and radiation from
destroying the cancer cells. Researchers have discovered the strength in a cancer cell's ability to survive may be in
the Focal adhesion kinase, FAK, a gene produced at high levels in cancerous tumors. This exciting new gene discovery
will encourage a great deal of research into drugs to prevent FAK from bonding to the protein necessary in a cancer
cell's ability to protect itself from destruction. Normal cells manufacture lower levels of FAK than cancer cells do,
and researchers are looking at treatments that will target FAK, while leaving the normal cells unaffected by toxic
treatments.Note: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional care. For medical emergencies, dial 911!
Researchers find weakness in cancer cell defense
University of Florida Shands Cancer
Center researchers have found a weakness in the protective barrier cancer cells maintain to keep from being
destroyed. Cancer cells manufacture an enzyme that bonds with a protein, which prevents chemotherapy and radiation from
destroying the cancer cells. Researchers have discovered the strength in a cancer cell's ability to survive may be in
the Focal adhesion kinase, FAK, a gene produced at high levels in cancerous tumors. This exciting new gene discovery
will encourage a great deal of research into drugs to prevent FAK from bonding to the protein necessary in a cancer
cell's ability to protect itself from destruction. Normal cells manufacture lower levels of FAK than cancer cells do,
and researchers are looking at treatments that will target FAK, while leaving the normal cells unaffected by toxic
treatments.
