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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : July 19, 2014 11:25 AM IST
Metastatic cancer or cancer that spreads from one part of the body to another, results in lower chances of survival. But scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, US have found the cause of this metastasis in lung cancer.
According to the scientists, the gene DIXDC1 is responsible for stopping the movement of cancer from the lungs to other parts of the body. With an increased tendency to move aids the escape from, for example, the lungs and allows tumour cells to survive travel through the bloodstream and dock at organs throughout the body. The gene helps in decreasing this tendency.
The gene receives instructions from the gene LKB1 to go to focal adhesions and change their size and number. In addition to different cancers being able to manipulate these anchors, it was also known that about a fifth of lung cancer cases are missing an anti-cancer gene called LKB1 (also known as STK11).
When DIXDC1 is 'turned on,' half a dozen or so focal adhesions grow large and sticky, anchoring cells to their spot. When DIXDC1 is blocked or inactivated, focal adhesions become small and numerous, resulting in hundreds of small 'hands' that pull the cell forward in response to extracellular cues.
'The communication between LKB1 and DIXDC1 is responsible for a 'stay-put' signal in cells. DIXDC1, which no one knew much about, turns out to be inhibited in cancer and metastasis,' said first author and PhD graduate student Jonathan Goodwin.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer refers to uncontrolled cellular growth in the lung tissues. These lumps and tumours interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs, stopping it from performing its primary duty of providing oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Lung cancer, considered one of the most deadly forms of the disease, causes close to 1.4 million deaths per year, according to a World Health Organization estimate. The two main types of this cancer are small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).
Tobacco smoking, both active and passive, is the foremost reason for development of lung cancer. According to a new study, smoking ultra-long or long cigarettes can put you at greater risk of lung cancer. Heavy exposure to asbestos, radon, uranium, arsenic, genetic predisposition, and lung scarring from any prior illness can all cause lung cancer. Due to environmental pollution, lung cancer is increasing rapidly among Indian women in the 45 to 55 age group. Fine particulate matter in the air that lodges itself in the lungs causes harm over time, and damage starts early.
Cough, haemoptysis (coughing up blood), wheezing, shortness of breath, weight loss and chest pains are some of the common symptoms. But these symptoms usually show up in the advanced stage, often making the treatment ineffective. Scientists are now developing a breathalyser device that can detect lung cancer in early stages. Lung cancer may be diagnosed on chest X-rays and CT scans. Biopsy confirms the diagnosis. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, either alone or in combination. Some of the latest advances in treatment are experimental drug called MK-3475, combination of drugs in targeted therapy against lung adenocarcinomas and therapeutic vaccine.
With inputs from PTI
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