The new treatment is based on a form of genetic therapy called “antisense,” or AS, in which a synthesized strand of DNA or RNA targets the EGFR genes within a [...]]]> It seems that this article is saying that the new drug might treat JORRP and RRP.  What do you think?  Click here for the full article.

The new treatment is based on a form of genetic therapy called “antisense,” or AS, in which a synthesized strand of DNA or RNA targets the EGFR genes within a head and neck tumor. The therapy blocks the production of a protein produced by the gene. According to Dr. Grandis, expectations were exceeded in a phase I study of the therapy that was designed primarily to determine the safety and potential toxicity of EGFR AS injections in patients with advanced head and neck cancers…..

Head and neck cancers are a group of biologically similar cancers originating from the upper aerodigestive tract, including the lip, mouth, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, pharynx and larynx, that affect more than 45,000 individuals in the U.S. each year. Head and neck cancers are strongly associated with environmental and lifestyle risk factors, including tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and certain strains of the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus.

Wired Magazine reports that scientists have discovered the true identity of a contagious form of cancer that is killing Tasmanian devils. The population has been devastated by this cancer and researchers were able to trace the source back twenty years to a single animal. It appears that the cancer cells are rouge cells [...]]]>

Wired Magazine reports that scientists have discovered the true identity of a contagious form of cancer that is killing Tasmanian devils. The population has been devastated by this cancer and researchers were able to trace the source back twenty years to a single animal. It appears that the cancer cells are rouge cells from the myelin sheath, a protective layer of cells around nerve fibers. Scientists involved in the project indicated that they will begin trying to develop vaccine for this cancer.

Articles like this are always interesting to me because often what isn’t known about a disease is even more interesting than what is known. We tend to know a lot of small pieces of information that don’t add up to a complete whole. We look for reasons in our DNA, in the environment, in stress responses, in viruses, etc. but the number of questions raised always grows much faster than the numbers of questions answered.

Tasmanian Devil Cancer Culprit Revealed