Bone cancer

Scientists Have Discovered A Molecule That Blocks The Work Of Ewing Sarcoma Oncogene

By: Kiryl Hil

Bone cancer is primary or secondary (metastatic) malignant tumor that affects skeletal system of the organism. Primary malignant tumors of bone represented by sarcoma, i.e. connective origin tumors, they arise directly in the bones or joints.
Metastatic cancer develops of malignant tumor cells, which were formed in other cancer-affected organs and tissues and gotten thus in bones or joints, usually by hematogenic way (via blood). There are many types of bone cancer; one of the rarest and most dangerous is Ewing sarcoma. An interesting and rather hopeful research was conducted in the USA.

Researchers from the Georgetown University Medical Center discovered a small molecule, which, they said, blocks the effects of oncogene responsible for the development of Ewing sarcoma.

Ewing sarcoma - this is a rare type of cancer of different types occurring in children and young people. If further research in this area confirm this discovery will be the first drug targeting the molecular mechanism of action for the treatment of this pathology.
The unique operating principle of this molecule based on the so-called protein-protein interactions. Based on this, it is possible to develop effective molecular-targeted therapy, said principal investigator Jeffrey Toretsky, MD, pediatric oncology and a researcher from Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Ewing sarcoma occurs in an exchange of DNA between two chromosomes (a process called translocation). The new gene, known as EWS-FLI1, is formed when the EWS gene on 22 chromosome combined with the FLI1, located on chromosome 11. It is that protein that responsible for the development of sarcoma.

Toretsky and his colleagues were the first who was able to separate these 2 genes. They were trying to determine whether it's possible the binding of EWS-FLI1 with other cell proteins. Indeed, the protein formed by the merger of two genes linked with other protein (RHA), resulting in the formation of complex that is capable to control transcription.

Using laboratory techniques found that the RHA and EWS-FLI1 played important roles in the development of cancer. Then the scientists tried to identify a specific locus, which is to be attached to EWS-FLI1 RHA.

Additional actions were aimed at finding molecules that can prevent the connection of these two proteins. Try about 3000 samples of the Georgetown National Cancer Institute, USA, the scientists managed to find one that is tightly binds the desired protein.

For the amazing study Toretsky was awarded in the amount of $ 750,000, which he intends to spend on further development of a new treatment of Ewing sarcoma.

Author Resource:-> Information about bone cancer including bone cancer symptoms, Definition of bone cancer and treatment of primary bone cancer. Visit: http://bonecancersymptoms.org/

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Bone Cancer

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Bone Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatments

By: James S.

Cancer having its origin in the bones is referred to as bone cancer in medical terms. Bone cancers are relatively uncommon when compared to metastatic (cancer occurring initiated in another organ and spreading to bone tissues) or secondary cancer.

Bone Cancer Causes

Underlying causes behind bone Cancer is still unclear. However, there are certain risk factors that have been identified. Most of them suggest that Estrogen, female hormone, plays an imperative role in development and progress of this cancer. It s known that women, having menstrual period for the first time before 11 or at a very later stage in their life, are more prone for developing this disease. The reason being that they remain exposed to higher levels of estrogen for a longer period of time. Again, count of menstrual cycle prior to first pregnancy is also considered significant. Experts believe that women having their first child below the age of 20 might be affected in the near future. Breastfeeding offers additional protective effect.

Bone Cancer Symptoms

Bone Cancer Symptoms are many linked to the location of the bone, which has been affected by cancer in the body. Common symptom associated with bone cancer is tenderness, swelling or pain in the affected area. Lump formation might also accompany bone cancer in a patient. Although the detection of lump associated to the cancer is difficult in the early stages, it can be felt when the disease occurs in or around the joints. Still, you cannot consider any of these symptoms as prominent signs of bone cancer.

Bone Cancer Treatment

Treatment for cancer of bone, mainly metastatic cancer, has 2 goals:

Managing neoplasm

Managing symptoms produced by local lesion

Prognosis is mainly affected by patient s age, primary tumor size, lymphatic & blood vessel invasion degree, symptoms duration and tumor location on arm, trunk or leg.

There are 2 methods for treating bone metastasis. Systemic Therapy is aimed for treating cancer cells spread throughout your body. It includes hormone therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Local therapy is aimed towards killing cancerous cells of a specific portion on the body. It includes surgery and radiation therapy.

Surgery:

It is often extensive and involves the removal of a wide margin of tissue surrounding the tumor. Sarcomas, which involve muscles, also require removing the entire affected group of muscles.

Radiation Therapy:

It is mainly used for preventing local recurrence of radiosensitive tumor and given either before or following the surgery.

Chemotherapy:

Several drugs have proven effective for treating bone & soft tissue sarcoma. However, required dosages for providing a great chance to cure might lead to significant side effects. Effective agents include cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, ifosfamide, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), dactinomycin (Actinomycin D), dacarbazine and investigational agent. In some cases, even combinations of all these drugs are used.

Hormone Therapy:

It s either removal of organs producing hormones promoting growth of specific cancer types (testosterone and estrogen) or drug therapy for keeping hormones from promoting growth of cancer.

Even after completely removing bone or soft tissue sarcoma, significant risk is there that small tumors, left undetected, may spread to other regions in the body. Adjuvant Chemotherapy attempts for eliminating such tumor deposits.

Even, there are safer and effective methods for treating pain. Medications will allow people for being free of pain and continue the activities essential to them.

To Your Health!

Author Resource:-> http://www.womenscenter.com/ Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women. http://www.womenscenter.com/

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