Colon of colon cancer

1993/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna

People who have been intervened for colon cancer are at risk of developing cancer. In addition, so far there has been no possibility of preventing cancer.

A group of researchers from McGill University in Montreal and Royal Victoria Hospital have made an important discovery in the field of colon cancer. In the colon tissues of people killed by colon cancer, they realized that the concentration of a certain protein was much higher than in those who have managed to stay five or more years of cancer. The protein is called PCNA and is related to the cellular distribution process. To identify this protein, a monoclonal antibody was used that only knew PCNA.

According to the research group, approximately half of the patients operated are recovered. Fragments of colon from 40 patients were analyzed to carry out the research. In these parts, along with cancer cells, there were normal tissues and the so-called “proliferation index” was used to determine the concentration of PCNA in the cells. From this study, it was deduced that cancer and normal cells of dead people had a “proliferation index” higher than that of living people.

Although research will thrive, it seems that the first conclusions can already be applied in those who have been intervened by colon cancer. Just do a test and know the level of PCNA to start applying remedies (usually chemotherapy) before the cancer returns.