Previous Page | Next Page
Researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago have found a drug that briefly blocks the p53 gene, which is commonly a natural defense against cancer; the drug may relieve some of the side effects of cancer treatment, allowing for stronger chemotherapy and radiation treatments, A report on a study of the effects of the drug in mice was published Sept. 10 in the journal Science; primate tests are being prepared now, with human testing expected to begin within a year. The p53 gene generally protects the body against damaged genes that might lead to the development of cancer by causing these genes to kill themselves. The researchers found, however that p53 sometimes also kills cells that are not damaged beyond repair; this excessive damage is the cause of many side effects of cancer treatment. The new drug temporarily blocked the action of the p53 gene so that it does not destroy too many cells, and thus may eliminate some side effects of treatment.
Previous Page | Next Page
Return to the Perry Hookman, M.D., P.A. Home Page