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New gene discovery that stops skin cancer in its tracks

February 22, 1999

Tumour Suppressor Genes (TSGs) are important in controlling the growth of cells. Cancer is caused when cells multiply uncontrollably, so the TSGs play a vital role in stopping healthy cells from becoming cancerous.
Experts already know that one particular TSG called P16 is able to stop the growth of cells in the most aggressive form of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma.
In new lab tests the scientists transferred groups of healthy genes - carried on chromosomes - directly into the melanoma cancer cells and discovered another two TSGs which dramatically stopped the cells malignant growth.
The findings - from a group in the Dept. of Biological Sciences at Brunel University, led by Prof Rob Newbold, is published in the journal 'Cancer Research' (Cancer Research vol. 59, Feb 1999). It could eventually lead to the development of anti-cancer drugs and help improve the treatment of malignant melanoma which currently kills 1,500 people each year.
Due to this dramatic discovery, the way has now been paved for work to isolate (clone) the genes.
Scientists will then be able to find out more about the way the genes work and exactly how they stop the disease.
Prof Newbold says: "This is an exciting discovery. We now know that by placing these genes into the cancer cell they stop malignant melanoma in its tracks.
"This is really just the beginning, because at this stage we have no idea how the new genes work. By finding out more about their function it may eventually lead to new ways of treating malignant melanoma."
"These findings show that we have successfully identified at least one new gene on chromosome-9 and one on 10 which have the ability to stop the growth and development of malignant melanoma," he adds.
Chief Executive of the Association for International Cancer Research, Derek Napier, says: "We are delighted to support Professor Newbold and his team in their work on this high calibre research project, which we believe demonstrates how cancer charities can work together towards the common goal of finding a cure."
Director General of The Cancer Research Campaign, Prof Gordon McVie, says: "Prof Newbold's work is really important because it could lead to advances in treating malignant melanoma. This work is another example of how gene therapy is being developed to target cancer without damaging the healthy cells. At the moment it works in the test tube. The real challenge will be the patient and this may take some years.
"We are committed to funding more pioneering skin cancer research like this but, as ever, prevention has to be better than cure and that's why it's so important that people stick to the messages of our Cover Up Campaign."