Detecting factors that make Asians more likely to die from two forms of cancer

Singapore scientists have discovered a MET gene, a genetic variation associated with a high risk of lung and head and neck cancers.

The work was carried out by the Singapore Institute of Cancer Science (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, National Cancer Center, National Science and Technology Agency. research, are in Singapore.

Graphic image depicting cancer cells in the lung. (Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK).

The new Gene MET they found is a typical genetic variation that is more common in Asians than in other races. It encodes a protein that promotes cancer, helping cancer cells communicate, grow and survive.

According to Professor Goh Boon Cher and Dr. Kong Li Ren from CSI Singapore, a person with the MET variant does not mean they will have cancer, but if they have two forms of cancer , squamous cell carcinoma. i or head-neck squamous cell carcinoma , the disease will develop more strongly, the risk of death is high.

This new MET gene is different from other known MET genes, it is completely unrestricted by MET drug blockers being developed and clinically tested. The only amino acid that exists in this MET receptor is also strongly linked to another familiar cancer-promoting protein, HER2, which creates a strong stronghold that protects cancer cells against the effects of drugs. treatment.

But according to Professor Goh Boon Cher, the new worrying discovery is an advance in cancer research. Knowing the face of the "enemy", knowing the mechanism will help scientists create new drugs, new treatments and hit the target more effectively.

The research has just been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

1. A simple touch with your finger can tell if you have lung cancer or not
2. Distinguish types of cancers of the throat