Wednesday, November 19, 2014

cancer detection movement is on the rise

It is generally thought that cells undergoing Neoplastic transformation will exhibit mutation, amplification or some form of new pattern in their genes, and based on this new pattern, observer can diagnose or even anticipate the behavior or prognosis of the cancer.   But each time, the question that come to mind is, which genes in which cancer?  And with 25,000 genes , the task is not a slim one.  And to make matter worse, Neoplastic cells do not remain static!  They are in constant flush, trying to survive their environment.
We know for example that prostate cancers grow on Androgen stimulation which has become the focus of most prostate cancer treatment with "abiraterone Acetate which blocks androgen synthesis, and Enzalutamide which block the Androgen Receptor" (Nina Sharifi).  We also know now that In their struggle to survive, the prostate cancer cells will acquire the enzyme 3 Beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-isoenzyme to self produce DHEA and ultimately DHT.

While it is important to focus on these important driving mechanisms, it is also important to remember that cells use their potentials to fabricate these important enzymes!  Other supportive genes continue to play important supportive roles that also need to be disturbed.  And that remains a further challenge.  At certain times, the supportive role could be the overwhelming activity and detection may be skewed !
Professor Klein proposed 17 Genomic Prostate Core
1.Androgen signaling:
AZGP1
FAM13C
KLK2
SRD5A2
2.Stromal response
BGN
COL1A1
SFRP4
3.Proliferation
TPX2
and there are
4.Cellular organization
and 5. Reference  (see article:"Genomics for active surveillance now in Practice")

We, at CRBCM, although reserved on the content as most of these reports may be limited, approve of this model of reporting detection as no single gene could actually reflect cellular activities all the time.   The fact is that the Genomic core does not speak about other genes such as the MED1,RAD51, CHEK1, DAPK, MLH1,TIMP3, PPARGs, TMPRSS, ERG, ETV1, SMADs,NBN or miRNAs  even though we know they are into play!

Despite our reservations, it is clear and exciting  to see the vibrant stand for cancer detection  in the general population and of course in targeted markets!   We are meeting today at UTEP to discuss what will be tested in collected blood samples...our bank has already 25 vials of blood samples the first week since we launched this study.  And more people are coming to donate...
CRBCM, progressing  slowly despite adversity!


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