Will this DNA checking technology enable us to... - CLL Support

CLL Support

23,339 members40,047 posts

Will this DNA checking technology enable us to kill cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells untouched?

AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilPartnerAdministrator
0 Replies

We've heard of FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) testing, where fluorescent probes are used to identify whether we have previously identified faulty (mutated) DNA sequences that are most likely responsible for us developing CLL. We also know that FISH prognostic testing can give us an indication on how long before we are likely to need treatment and also which treatments to avoid because they won't work. Using related technology, scientists have developed a special DNA clamp to act as a diagnostic nano machine. They also believe this technique could be further developed to deliver a drug to kill off just the cancerous cells and leave health cells alone. This could mean a future CLL treatment where the drug doesn't worsen our immunity!

Read how DNA clamps could stop cancer in its tracks here:

gizmag.com/dna-clamps-stop-...

Those interested in quick overview of FISH may find this site of interest :

cancerresearchuk.org/cancer...

Alternatively here's a brief overview that is slightly more technical, with the first two sections relatively easy to understand:

genome.gov/10000206

And for those that want a far more technical explanation of FISH:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluor...

Neil

Written by
AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeil
Partner
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Venetoclax for dummies

Venetoclax owes its origin to a lady named Eliza Hall, I bet AussieNeil has heard of her. Eliza...
cajunjeff profile image

FISH testing and chromosomes for dummies

I am betting most of us had a cll tabula rasa at diagnosis, that is, our knowledge of cll was a...
cajunjeff profile image

stopping Ibrutinib

I had to stop Ibrutinib for 7 days prior to an operation to remove a cancer tumor from my bladder...
barger1951 profile image

BBC News - 18/04 - Breakthrough in leukaemia treatment (Prof Chris Pepper of Cardiff University on Ibrutinib)

Scientists helped to develop drugs which target the disease at a molecular level By Carwyn Jones...
MartyR profile image

Does anyone with CLL or cancer, part of "Downwinder" radiation exposure from 1950s.

I lived in southern Utah in 1953-1954 during nuclear bomb testing by US government north of Las...
Big_Dee profile image

Moderation team

See all
CLLerinOz profile image
CLLerinOzAdministrator
AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator
Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.