Why Does Cancer Kill? Answers Are Coming From Unlikely Places.

Why does cancer kill? That is a surprisingly hard question to answer. When cancer spreads (metastasizes), the affected organs may not work as well, but that does not provide the whole answer. Work with tiny fruit flies may be helping to provide some answers to this question and also providing ways to reduce the death and suffering caused by cancer.

Despite the huge differences between people and flies, cancer in flies is remarkably similar to cancer in humans. Research by scientists at the University of California has shown that tumors in flies produce a small proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. (called interleukin-6 or IL-6) that causes a breakdown in the normal barrier between the brain and the blood supply. IL-6 is also known to trigger inflammationA reaction to tissue damage or invasion. Small blood vessels become leaky, leading to redness and swelling. Cells of the immune system migrate to the area and can release chemicals and proteins that cause damage to the structures/cells nearby. in several diseases, including cancer.

When the researchers blocked the effects of IL-6, the flies lived much longer. The results in flies were then shown to be occur in mice with cancer.  It is hoped that the results will make it possible to extend the lives (and improve the quality of life) of human cancer patients as well.