A new medical endeavor has helped scientists trace down one of the main mechanisms of secondary cancer formation. The new enzyme responsible for breast cancer was found, new study informs after publishing the results of the recent medical study in the journal called Nature.
Female patients suffering from breast cancer might soon find medical support in preventing their disease from spreading across other parts of their bodies, as well. This is possible thanks to the new medical researches that doctors have performed. Results have led to the identification of a new enzyme responsible for breast cancer and other secondary forms.
LysYl Oxidase (LOX) as the found substance was scientifically called, is the main culprit for secondary cancer occurrences. The enzyme is released by the breast tumor and sent to bones in order to render them more fragile and, hence, more vulnerable in front of the cancer cells.
Bone cancers and metastases are incredibly frequent among female patients. Tests have revealed that 85 percent of the women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, have later on developed a tumorous form in their bone structure.
LOX was particularly common among patients whose tests have revealed the presence of the oestrogen receptor negative (ER negative). In addition, doctors plan to study the spreading mechanism of the enzyme in order to better understand it. They argue that a good comprehension of the manner in which cancer cells spread to the bones can help medical experts find new cures for secondary cancer forms.
By identifying the enzyme at an early stage of breast cancer patients have many more chances of survival. They have bigger chances of developing secondary cancer types and they prolong their lives.
A possible treatment for the LOX enzyme has already been developed by major drug producers in the U.K. According to them, bisphosphonate-based drugs are highly effective in treating bone affections. The medical substance has already had very good results in the treatment of osteoporosis as it has been noticed that bisphosphonate prevents the loss of bone mass.
Medical researchers have already pinpoint the future lines of investigation that they plan on following. Their next objective is that of determining the manner in which the enzyme interacts with the bone structure. This way, they can effectively select the drugs so they can prevent bone lesions and fractions.
The research was conducted with the support of many cancer organizations and drug producers, such as, Cancer Research UK, Novo Nordisk foundation, Danish cancer society, Lundbeck foundation and the University of Copenhagen. Leaders of the Breast Cancer Campaign said that 1,000 female patients are currently suffering from breast cancer, but their goal is to completely eliminate this form of cancer by 2050.
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