Killing chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cells by cutting down its protector
Published: 24 September 2014

Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecological cancer, claiming the lives of more than 50% of women who are diagnosed with it. Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed late and develops a resistance to chemotherapy.

A new study learned that the key is understanding the role of a protein called gelsolin. An increased level of this protein is associated with aggressive forms of ovarian cancer that are more likely to be resistant to chemotherapy and lead to death. Gelsolin works at the molecular level to protect cancer cells against a widely used chemotherapy drug called cisplatin.

The researchers learned that by cutting gelsolin down to a specific fragment and putting it into chemo-resistant cancer cells, the international team discovered they could make these cells susceptible to the cancer-killing effects of cisplatin.

The findings are important because they will help doctors to determine the most effective treatment plan based on the level of gelsolin. The researchers believe this discovery is a promising avenue for developing a new therapy to reduce chemo-resistance in women with this deadly disease

News sourced from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140924145012.htm