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WHY NOT ALL SMOKERS DEVELOP LUNG CANCERNew research has been unveiled suggesting a single gene may determine whether or not a smoker develops lung cancer. Scientists have demonstrated that the gene provides vital defense against the toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke.The breakthrough was made by a team of scientists from Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh lead by Professor Roland Wolf. According to Professor Wolf, it was shown for the first time that a single gene can be profoundly important in protecting us against cancer and that it is easier to manipulate one gene than many. The gene provides the building instructions for making an enzyme called glutathione S-tranferase. Laboratory mice from which the gene was removed, quickly developed tumors when tobacco smoke chemicals were applied to their skin. By removing the gene, mice lost their protection against the chemical. A similar gene was found in humans and was particularly important in the lungs and bladder, two places where cancer is stongly linked to smoking. Professor Wolf said, " the gene could be one reason why some heavy smokers escape lung cancer and live to a ripe old age, while others die young." Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer of men, and is second only to breast cancer in women. This research could be the starting point for discovering new cancer prevention therapies. One day a drug may be developed to protect people against lung cancer. Findi ngs from the study were published in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (As reported by John von Radowitz, Medical Correspondent, PA News.) --> return to menu / back ... (click) --> return to top of the page (click) |
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