Scientists may have found a new way to halt lung cancer growth

The gene p53 functions normally as a cnacer suppressor but mutated versions of the gene have been implicated in the development and growth of nearly half of all human cancers. Now, for the first time, scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have uncovered a mechanism that makes lung cancer cells dependent on mutated versions of the gene, opening the potential for new, more effective treatements. Each year, lunge cancer kills more people than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 220,000 new cases of lung cancer in the U.S. in 2017, further underscoring the need for new, more effective therapies.

See original article at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170614112919.htm