- Researchers have discovered a protein in the kidneys
that has the power to starve tumours by blocking their blood supply, thereby
stopping them spreading.
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- The discovery could lead to the development of drugs
to treat a wide range of cancers, as well as arthritis, diabetes and other
conditions.
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- Dr Dave Bates, who led the research alongside Dr Steve
Harper at Bristol University, said:
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- "We are very excited about this. Theoretically it
could apply to any cancer."
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- His team discovered the protein during tests on non-cancerous
kidneys.
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- The protein is normally only seen in diseased tissue.
There, it promotes the growth of blood vessels which feed a tumour and
encourage the cancer to grow.
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- But the scientists found that when it occurs in normal
kidneys it does not generate tumours.
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- This is because the protein, called vascular endothelial
growth factor, switches in type. Dr Bates said: "The next aim of the
research group is to determine if, and how, this new molecule might be
useful as a treatment for cancer, vascular disease, arthritis and other
diseases.
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- "We are now looking at other types of cancer to
see whether they also use the same process. Particularly we are looking
at prostate cancer in collaboration with Southmead hospital.We are also
examining bladder cancer, lung and breast cancers."
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- The protein is also involved in the growth of plaque
in the arteries, rheumatoid arthritis and a diabetic condition called retinopathy
which can cause blindness.
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- Dr Bates said the team is trying to discover what causes
the protein to change forms. "If you can find a drug that can switch
it back, you'll stop blood vessel growth, " he said.
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- The Welcome Trust and British Heart Foundation are funding
research and the Association for International Cancer Research has also
now pledged its support.
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- It is likely to be between five and 10 years before human
trials take place.
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- The Western Daily Press reported last month how lung
cancer patients in the West have some of the lowest survival rates in Europe.
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- The disease claims the lives of 56 men per 100,000, compared
with a national figure of 31 and a European figure of 13.
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- One in three people is diagnosed with cancer at some
time in their life, and one in four die as a result.
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- Breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancer are the most
common forms of the disease.
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