New breakthrough helps prevent the development of cancer

New research shows that removing copper in the blood can reduce the growth of cancer cells in the body.

A recent study by US scientists showed that copper elements (found in green vegetables and seafood) do not directly cause cancer, but the removal of copper in the blood can reduce the spread of cancer. Growth of cancer cells in the body.

According to experts, high levels of copper in the blood can affect the development of mutations in the BRAF gene, causing malignant tumors, thyroid cancer or skin cancer .

Professor Christopher Counter of Duke University (USA) said: "BRAF-positive cancer like melanoma almost always craves copper." BRAF gene is involved in the coordination of cell division and differential processes. When the BRAF mutates, it causes cells to become out of control.

Professor Counter and colleagues found that, when blocking copper absorption, mutated carriers of BRAF genes will stop developing. This even occurs in cells resistant to treatment with mutated BRAF compounds.

The discovery allows scientists to fight cancer by making drugs that prevent copper absorption in mutated patients. Similar results have been achieved with drugs used to treat Wilson's disease - a genetic disorder in which copper accumulates in body tissue and damages the patient's brain and liver.

Dr Donita Brady, the lead researcher, said the oral drugs used to reduce copper in Wilson's disease could be used to treat cancers derived from BRAF mutations. Currently, scientists are still conducting clinical trials to further examine the accuracy of this study.

The study is published in Nature.