An article in Popular Mechanics by Jacqueline Detwiler left me inspired and hopeful about the breadth and scope of cancer research. I couldn’t believe I would be reading an article like this in Popular Mechanics. (http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/a26290/we-will-beat-cancer/)
It opens with the author’s visit to St. Jude’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. It begins with the fact that cancers leave behind tell-tail genetic mutations that can be tracked through genetic sequencing. That certain gene mutations and their associated cancers can be treated. The sequencing also spurs research.
The next exiting review is the story of T-Cells and CTL4. CTLA-4 acts like a brake for T-Cells so they won’t attack healthy cells. Research found that in come cases releasing this braking effect allows T-Cells to attack cancer cells. This has proven to be moderately effective in treating certain melanoma. The details are as fascinating as the results.
The story gets even better in its recounting of how modified T-Cells are introduced to target specific cancers. This involves finding the receptor type on the cancer cell and either constructing or finding a lock that fits that receptor. The roll of a modified HIV in enabling the T-Cell change is just as fascinating.
Then there is a review of using T-Cells to carry specific isotopes that can kill cancer cells - and not kill cells all around it.
The article is filled with wonderful hope, but realistic cautions. More over it identifies on of the largest obstacles to this kind of research are policies that get in the way of cooperative research. That section is called Policy Reform: Divided We Fall.