Breakthrough Study Identifies Potential “Kill Switch” for Cancer Cells
By Melissa Rudy, Fox News | Published Nov. 12, 2023, 11:00 a.m. ET
Researchers at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center have made an exciting discovery: a “kill switch” that has the potential to signal the death of cancer cells. In a study published in the journal Cell Death & Differentiation, scientists detailed their findings about a protein on the CD95 receptor, which they believe can be programmed to trigger the self-destruction of cancer cells.
The CD95 receptor, also known as Fas, has earned the nickname “death receptor” due to its ability to send a signal that causes cancer cells to die, according to a press release from UC Davis. “Previous efforts to target this receptor have been unsuccessful. But now that we’ve identified this epitope (target), there could be a therapeutic path forward to target Fas in tumors,” said Jogender Tushir-Singh, a senior author of the study.
This potential breakthrough could lead to the development of new cancer drugs that could stimulate the activity of the CD95 receptors and provide a fresh approach to treating cancer tumors. While traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have been effective to a certain extent, this new discovery offers hope for patients with limited options.
Tushir-Singh is optimistic about the promise of the newly discovered “kill switch,” which could not only terminate tumor cells but also make immunotherapies more effective. “Despite many breakthroughs in the cancer immunotherapeutic field, targeting Fas remains neglected, primarily due to fear of retaliation against immune-system T-cells,” he told Fox News Digital.
As researchers continue to explore the potential of this discovery, there is hope for the future of cancer treatment. Tushir-Singh believes that advancements in cancer immunotherapy and other targeted therapies have led to a decrease in cancer rates, and he urges people to stay positive. “The next breakthrough is just one experiment away.”
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