New gene therapy may check spread of breast cancer

New gene therapy may check spread of breast cancer
A new gene therapy technique, alongside chemotherapy to treat early-stage breast cancer tumours.

In vitro experiments in cells showed that applying miR-96 and miR-182 decreased the expression of Palladin levels, in turn reducing the ability of breast cancer cells to migrate and invade other tissue.’Previous research had discussed the role of Palladin in controlling migration and invasion (of cancer cells). But the new study could pinpoint the critical role of these microRNAs in stopping the spread of breast cancer,’ Artzi said.Further, the researchers developed a method to deliver the engineered microRNAs to breast cancer tumours. They embedded nanoparticles containing the microRNAs into a hydrogel scaffold, which they then implanted into mice.The method allowed efficient and precise delivery of the microRNAs to a target breast cancer tumour site. The treatment resulted in a dramatic reduction in breast cancer metastasis, Artzi stated.To increase the effectiveness of the treatment even further, the researchers then added the chemotherapy drug cisplatin to the nanoparticles. This led to a significant reduction in both the growth of the primary tumour, and its metastasis.

‘The research offers the potential for combined experimental therapeutics with traditional chemotherapy in cancer metastasis,’ Julie Teruya-Feldstein, Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, said in a comment. The findings were described in the paper published in the journal Nature Communications.

(Read: 6 breast cancer symptoms you should never ignore)  (Also read: Breast cancer: Top 10 myths busted)

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

Previous Article

Genes determine mosquito's preference for humans or animals

Next Article

Epileptics at higher risk of facing discrimination due to health problems