Genetic Events May Cause Deadly Childhood Cancer
THURSDAY, Oct. 14 (HealthDayNews) -- University of Utah researchers have identified some of the genetic events that cause a particularly deadly childhood muscle cancer,
For a finding that could prove a significant step toward fighting the disease, the researchers were able to genetically engineer mice that develop the tumors. The genetic events might be targets for new drugs that could be tested on the mice.
The disease, named alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, "is a very mean childhood cancer," said study leader Mario Capecchi, co-chairman of human genetics at the university's School of Medicine, in a prepared statement. "Once the cancer has spread, 80 percent of the children are likely to die within five years, even with the most aggressive treatment possible."
The studies provide evidence that the cancer may originate in mature or nearly mature skeletal muscle fibers. This contradicts earlier findings that suggested the cancer rose from satellite stem cells that become new muscle.
"If we know where it starts and the cause, you might be able to prevent it, detect it early or develop new treatments based on the biology of the tumor," said study first author Charles Keller, a pediatric cancer specialist.
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma causes tumors in various muscles throughout the body, primarily in the legs, arms and shoulders, Capecchi said. They also appear in the back, neck, trunk and even the tongue.
About 85 percent to 90 percent of children with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma have a cancer-causing gene named Pax3:Fkhr. Researchers believe the gene causes cancer by triggering inappropriate muscle development.
The University of Utah experiments revealed how the gene turns various other genes on and off, interfering with muscle development.
The doctors then went on to produce alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in mice by turning off one of two tumor-suppressor genes, Trp53 or Ink4a/ARF.
More information
The American Cancer Society has more about rhabdomyosarcoma.
(SOURCES: University of Utah, news release, Oct. 14, 2004)
Copyright © 2004 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved.
To receive daily health news headlines, subscribe to the HEALTHFINDER-NEWS listserv.
HealthDayNews articles are derived from various sources and do not reflect federal policy. healthfinder® does not endorse opinions, products, or services that may appear in news stories. For more information on health topics in the news, visit the healthfinder® health library.
|