ACTREC Researchers Show Cancer Treatments May be Promoting its Spread

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result from experiments in mice grafted with human breast cancer cells (xenografts) to induce cancer. The researchers treated the primary tumors in these mice with chemotherapy, localized radiotherapy, or surgery and then searched for the presence of human DNA and human proteins in the mice's brains. "Using fluorescence microscopy techniques, we detected multiple co-localized signals of human DNA and eight human onco-proteins in mouse brain cells. Notably, the number of signals increased dramatically following either of the three types of treatment," remarks Prof. Mittra.

The researchers then tested whether blocking the effects of the cfChPs would change the results. As expected, the concentration of human DNA and oncoproteins in the mice's brain cells dropped significantly in mice that were treated with a cfChP-deactivating agent.

This study has important implications in reshaping cancer biology and treatment. Prof. Mittra concludes,"Future long-term experiments should explore whether cfChP-deactivating agents given concurrently with anti-cancer treatments could help prevent metastatic spread. When used as adjuncts to cancer treatment, these agents would have the added advantage of preventing some of the toxic side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy."

Reference
Title: Therapeutic interventions on human breast cancer xenografts promote systemic dissemination of oncogenes
Journal: PLOS One
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298042 

Media contact: 
Dr. Indraneel Mittra
Advance Centre for Treatment Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre (ACTREC)
Phone: [phone] Extn-5136
Email: [e-mail] 
Website: http://www.actrec.gov.in/pi-webpages/DrIndraneelMittra/ 

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2371768/Circulating_cell_free_chromatin.jpg

 

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