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Cancer's hidden killer: How do metastasis suppressor proteins save lives?
With the advancement of technology, cancer treatment methods are becoming increasingly diverse. However, the "third party" hidden behind the disease - metastasis suppressor protein - is still an important factor unknown to many patients. Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to other sites, is one of the main causes of 90% of cancer deaths. How do these metastasis suppressor proteins affect prognosis and become the key to improving survival rates?
The role of metastasis suppressor proteins
The main function of metastasis suppressor proteins is to delay or prevent tumor metastasis. Unlike treatments that target the tumor itself, metastasis suppressor proteins do not directly affect the growth of the main tumor, but, trickyly, they are not widely understood. Using microcell-mediated chromosome transfer technology, researchers identified for the first time dozens of genes associated with metastasis suppression, including NM23, KAI1, and SDPR.
"Metastasis is the most deadly process of cancer. Exploring the potential of metastasis suppressor proteins can become a turning point in future cancer treatment."
Clinical application and extended research
Currently, the expression of metastasis suppressor proteins can be used as prognostic markers, therapeutic targets, and as a basis for predicting treatment response. For example, high expression of NM23 is associated with a good prognosis in multiple tumor types. Clinical studies have shown that NM23-positive ovarian cancer patients respond better to cisplatin treatment, while NM23-negative patients respond less well.
"High NM23 expression is associated with a good prognosis in multiple tumor types and can be used to guide clinical treatment."
Gene’s potential and challenges
Currently, there are about ten known metastasis suppressor protein genes, such as BRMS1 and KISS1, which are related to the inhibition of different metastases. These genes often affect cell behavior by altering signaling pathways. Taking NM23 as an example, it can effectively inhibit the metastasis of melanoma, breast cancer and colon cancer, further confirming its potential for clinical application.
Future Outlook
In the future of cancer treatment, metastasis suppressor proteins may become a new entry point. The challenge we face is how to activate these potential inhibitory factors. Through genetic testing of patients, we can understand the expression of these proteins and provide a basis for personalized medicine.
Conclusion"Reactivating metastasis suppressor genes through drugs may become a feasible strategy to improve cancer prognosis."
In today's cancer battle, metastasis suppressor proteins play an increasingly important role, leading the medical community to new ideas on how to overcome cancer and prolong patients' lives. In future treatments, can we effectively use these key proteins to break the deadly cycle of cancer?
