Research scientists reveal how white blood cell promotes growth
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have shown that a
particular white blood cell plays a direct role in the development and
spread of cancerous tumors. Their work sheds new light on the
development of the disease and points toward novel strategies for
treating early-stage cancers.
The study was published in September 2011 print issue of the American Journal of Pathology.
Scripps Research Professor James Quigley, Staff Scientist Elena
Deryugina, and colleagues had previously demonstrated that white blood
cells known as neutrophilsAbone marrow-derived cells that function as
“first responders” at sites of acute inflammationApromote the growth of
new blood vessels in normal, healthy tissue.
The team has now tied these cells to the induction and growth of new
blood vessels in malignant tumors and to the spread of tumor cells
through those newly formed vessels. The scientists have also uncovered
some of the mechanisms underpinning this processAwhich could be
interrupted by properly targeted drugs.
. . . .
Intriguing Possibilities
The scientists note that the study suggests tumors that engender a
strong inflammatory response may be particularly amenable to early-stage
treatment by drugs that specifically target neutrophils, whether that
means inhibiting the enzyme they deliver or simply preventing them from
showing up in the first place.
“It might be best to combat tumor angiogenesis earlier rather than
later,” Quigley said, adding that “more specifically directed
anti-neutrophil agents might be better suited than a general
anti-inflammatory.”
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