An immune system protein called Ku70 may help fight colorectal cancer by “cooling” cancer cells.
- Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and represents the 2nd cause of cancer death in France.
- An immune system protein, called Ku70, can be manipulated via drugs to help beat this cancer.
- According to the researchers, it could also serve as a biomarker in screening.
Colorectal cancer, which develops in the lining of the colon or rectum, claims many victims in France. With 47,582 new cases in 2023 and 17,117 deaths in 2018, it is one of the most common cancers (3e rank in man and 2e in women) and represents the 2e cause of death from cancer, according to Public Health France. But, a discovery, presented in the journal Science Advances on January 26, 2024, offers new hope to the sick.
An immune system protein can be manipulated to help beat colon cancer, according to new research from the Australian National University (ANU).
Colon cancer: a protein modified to “cool” malignant cells
During his work, ANU’s Dr Abhimanu Pandey noticed that the protein, known as Ku70, can be turned on like a switch using a combination of drugs. However, when the latter is “lit”it acts as a surveillance system and is able to detect signs of damaged DNA in our cells.
“DNA is the genetic code of life. Damaged DNA is a danger sign that can turn healthy cells into cancer cells,” explains the scientist.
The expert and his team succeeded in demonstrating that the Ku70 protein can “cool cancer cells and remove damaged DNA”. It thus prevents them from becoming more aggressive and spreading throughout the body by deactivating them or keeping them in a dormant state. “Therapeutic components targeting Ku70 protein could improve cancer treatment outcomes”write the authors in their article.
Colorectal cancer screening: Ku70 protein could improve it
In addition to being a potential element of treatment against colorectal cancer, the Ku70 protein could improve the detection of malignant tumors. The researchers propose including checking its level in precancerous polyps to assess the risks of developing the disease.
“Our research shows that Ku70 is a good immune biomarker. Which means it helps us predict who will fare after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.”explains Professor Si Ming Man from ANU in a communicated.
The team is taking advantage of the publication of its work to reiterate the importance of screening. “We know that early detection and treatment are key to beating not only bowel cancer, but potentially other cancers as well“, specifies the expert.
In France, the colorectal cancer screening program is based on a stool blood test to be done at home and then sent for analysis. Women and men, aged 50 to 74, are invited by letter every 2 years to do so. When colorectal cancer is detected at an early stage, 5-year survival exceeds 90%.
