Methyl groups, enzymes, and other DNA accessories, collectively known as epigenetic markers, keep cells on the straight and narrow path, ensuring they divide in an orderly manner and remain true to their nature – that a lung cell, for example, doesn’t suddenly become a kidney cell. One of the most striking features of cancer cells is that the patterns of these markers are altered. This can allow cancer-related genes to become overactive, and disable genes that normally keep cell growth in check.
As scientists map ever more of the epigenetic disruptions that occur in cancer, the implications for cancer therapy are becoming increasingly evident. Unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic changes are potentially reversible. This raises the possibility that drugs capable of returning epigenetic markers to their normal setting could be extraordinarily effective in cancer. A few such drugs have already been approved for certain cancer types, and dozens more are being tested in clinical trials.
Learn more about cancer research from Dana-Farber."
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I don't understand why they can't fast-track this stuff!!! GRRRRR!!!!!
fwiw - just read a man's story on the Metastatic Prostate Cancer FB Page - sounds like Keytruda may have 'cured' him - but only time will tell. Here's an excerpt and link:
" in my case I was negative for BRIP-1, and BRACA 1/2, I lost a sister to BC at 46 10 yrs ago and testing was done on some of her remaining pathology to compare to mine, inconclusive results, I'm the only one carrying this rare POLE -1 mutation that has only been found in female hormonal cancers...records done by my medical team shows no other PC affliction of this Gene, treatment for it calls out for checkpoint inhibitors immunotherapy pembriluzmab."
Hi, that blog may have been removed from the Dana Farber site, I’m getting an error message on the link. No blog entry for Jan 10, and a search on the site for the title gets nothing!
Hi Nalakrats, some very bad news today from my husband's CT scan. The PC has moved to his liver. Oncologist recommends starting chemo ASAP - in 2 days: carboplatin + taxol, 6 treatments, every 3 weeks if tolerable. He gave a 33% chance it will help, otherwise he said prognosis is 6 mo's. When I asked about Keytruda, because my husband has the PTEN, he said it's not for those with PTEN. Could he be wrong?? Any encouraging words of wisdom?
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