Italians in cancer breakthrough
Genes blamed for brain tumours identified
23 December, 20:29
(ANSA) - Rome, December 23 - An Italian medical researcher working at New York's Columbia University has made a breakthrough on the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
Antonio Iavarone's team have identified the two genes which govern the tumour's growth, according to a study published in the journal Nature.
The discovery paves the way for the possible development of drugs to block the genes, Iavarone told ANSA Wednesday.
''Our next step,'' he said, ''will be to identify molecules that can interfere with the two genes. We are making an initial assessment of certain chemical compounds, looking for the most effective ones''.
But he cautioned: ''It's still very early to speak of drugs''.
The two genes, dubbed C/EBP and STAT3, are believed to be the main culprits for the particular aggressiveness of a type of tumour called 'glioblastoma multiforme'.
Working together, the pair activate three other genes which set off a chain reaction that makes glioblastomas so hard to treat, Iavarone said.
The reaction path was charted thanks to the so-called 'bio-computing' skills of another Italian at Columbia, Andrea Califano.
Working with cells and in animal models, Iavarone's team found how the genes make glioblastomas so aggressive, reducing survival rates.
''For the first time it has become possible to predict how the disease will evolve,'' Iavarone said.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which hits tissue-supporting components called glial (Greek for 'glue) cells, is the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor in humans.
