‘Tricking’ genes can boost cancer fight

A BOWEL cancer treatment could be improved as a result of research at a Scottish university.

Scientists in Dundee said their work focuses on the behaviour of a gene called K-RAS, which could be “tricked” into behaving like cells with a damaged form of the gene.

Dr Gillian Smith said: “Our research reveals that changing the behaviour of K-RAS boosts the effect of certain drugs to kill bowel cancer cells.

“This research is at an early stage, but … the findings could provide new scope for bowel cancer treatments targeting the K-RAS gene. Our findings are particularly interesting because there is already a test available in the clinic that can identify which patients have a faulty version of K-RAS.”

The work was prepared for presentation at the National Cancer Research Institute
(NCRI) cancer conference in Liverpool today.