Research led by Professor David Hume at Edinburgh University has clarified how cancer operates in our bodies.

It was previously thought that a group of ‘master genes’ caused the cancer to start and spread. After this research, It is now realized than hundreds of genes are involved in the process of cancer. This will make it easier to find weak points to attack with treatment.

As well as clarifying cancer causes, the research will also help with treatment of many immune system diseases, such as multiple schlerosis.

Professor Hume said:

“This study has effectively shown us where the brakes are that could slow down or stop diseases like ­cancer and MS. We genuinely believe this could lead to treatments and cures for many diseases of the immune system.”

Incredible Research

This is very exciting research.

In the 1920s, it seemed that there was nothing to fight infections with – then along came penicillin. In a similar way, it seems to our generation that cancer is nearly unbeatable.

However, there are many approaches now – usually involving DNA research, and often involving stem cells – which are promising safer, more effective cancer treatments. These will accurately target the causes of cancer, rather than the blunt instrument of chemotherapy and radiation.

These benefits will start to arrive in just 5-10 years.

BBC story