Life Saving Cancer Research – Why is it Essential?

Cancer research is an ever growing subject of interest that involves in-depth analysis and understanding of the causes of malignancy, the preventive measures and treatment modalities. It implies several clinical tests and trials and suitability of applications in treating the disease. Besides finding out treatment modalities and charting out several methods of diagnosing the disease at early stage, emphasis is laid to unravel the causes.

The causes of cancer can be due to genetics, environmental factors to diet. The branch of cancer research that specifically deals with gene mutation and mapping is known as oncogenomics. It has been partly successful in identifying several protein and genes that are responsible for spreading the cancerous cells.

As of now, the emphasis is more on treatment modalities and prevention methods. Focus is on how to boost the immune system, the benefits of gene therapy, usage of Reolysin drug therapy and targeted therapy. Vaccines are also important area of cancer research. Recent studies indicate correlation of Vitamin D deficiency with cancer.

Greater research is done with respect to breast cancer, and screening forms important tool to ascertain early detection of cancer and early detection means greater chances of cure. Again, radiotherapy is being emphasized upon to treat most of the cancers.

According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, cancer researchers claim that inhibiting nicotine receptors enhances life span in lung cancer patients. Research studies have identified that change in encoding of nicotine receptor genes is not only linked with inclination to smoke but also in the development of lung cancer.

Recent studies on cancer prevention by American Cancer Society have established a link between air pollution and cancer. Again, a recent study published in the molecular cell issue of National Institutes of Health discovered a novel method to restrict the spread of cancerous cells. Determining the structure of gp78 and its association with E2 enzymes; researchers say that if gp78 is blocked, spread of cancer could be restricted which can open new vistas in cancer treatment.