Scientists at the Australian National University believe they have made a breakthrough in the treatment of bowel cancer, the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Australia, which kills more than 100 Australians each week.
By activating a protein in the immune system, cancer cells can be kept dormant, explains lead author Dr Abhimanu Pandey, from the John Curtin School of Medical Research. A combination of drugs can “turn on” the protein, Ku70, like a light switch.
“In its activated state, the protein acts like a surveillance system, detecting signs of damaged DNA in our cells,” Dr Pandey said.
“DNA is the genetic code of life. Damaged DNA is a sign of danger that can turn healthy cells into cancer cells.
“Our research shows that Ku70 can ‘cool off’ cancer cells and mop up damaged DNA. The protein prevents the cancer cells from becoming more aggressive and spreading throughout the body, essentially deactivating them and keeping them in a dormant state.”
One in 20 people will be diagnosed with bowel cancer by the age of 85; however, 90 per cent of cases can be successfully treated if detected early.
Under the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, Australians aged between 50 and 74 receive a free bowel screening test every two years – an effective measure to promote early detection and treatment.
Although people older than 50 have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer, more younger Australians are being diagnosed with the disease. One in nine new bowel cancer cases now occur in Australians under the age of 50.
Professor Si Ming Man, also from ANU, said future bowel cancer screening methods could include checking the levels of Ku70 in pre-cancerous polyps, abnormal growths of tissue found in the colon, before healthy cells turn cancerous.
“Our research shows Ku70 is a good immune biomarker, meaning it helps us predict who will fare better or worse after being diagnosed with bowel cancer,” Professor Man said.
Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the ANU researchers are calling for people of all ages to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer.
“We know early detection and treatment is vital to overcoming not only bowel cancer, but potentially other cancers as well,” Professor Man said.
“We hope the cancer research conducted at ANU helps raise awareness of cancer prevention, detection, and treatment on this important day.”
