Discovery of New Cancer Treatment Targets
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Why in News?
Researchers at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) have identified a new target for killing cancer cells, focusing on breast cancer. This discovery has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies.
Mechanism of Action
The study highlights how cancer cells respond to targeted chemotherapy and develop resistance. The identified target involves two key molecules: the CDK1 protein and the TDP1 enzyme, which play critical roles in cell cycle regulation and DNA repair during cell division.
Potential Therapeutic Strategies
The researchers propose using a combinatorial approach targeting both CDK1 and TDP1 to disrupt cancer cell survival mechanisms. This dual targeting could make it harder for cancer cells to develop resistance and could potentially lead to new, more effective cancer treatments.
Clinical Relevance
The findings suggest that by inhibiting these proteins, particularly in breast cancer, the treatment could prevent cancer cells from repairing DNA damage, leading to their death. This approach could significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing the likelihood of cancer relapse and increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy.