All types of cancer seem to come under one of two newly-found categories, as per the new research, based on whether or not they produce a single protein. A team of researchers, led by scientists from several institutions, published new research in the Journal Cancer Cell.
The study links all known forms of cancer to transcriptional regular called Yes-associated protein (YAP). The team discovered distinct differences among cancer cells that do express YAP, which they referred to as “YAPon” cancers, in contrast to “YAPoff” cancers, which do not express YAP.
Great for treatment of cancer
The research’s main aim was to complete this YAP-focused survey of different cancers, but the work also has the potential to help in the development of cancer treatments and even cures. While YAPoff cancers tend to be particularly lethal, bit YAPon and YAPoff cancers have vulnerabilities within their groups, the team discovered.
For instance, even exposing a YAPoff tumor to YAP seems to have refrained it from growing further. However, individual tumors can switch between two states for their survival, making curing them a little complex.
More research can help find cures
Since most cancer discoveries are extremely specific, it’s a relief to see new work that works for all known cancers – this could also pave the way for better treatments in the future.
“The simple binary rule we uncovered may expose strategies to treat many cancer types that fall into either the YAPoff or YAPon superclasses,” said co-lead study author and Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute scientist Joel Pearson. “Moreover, since cancers jump states to evade therapy, having ways to treat either the YAPoff and YAPon state could become a general approach to stop this cancer from switching types to resist drug treatments.”
Previously, researchers claimed to have developed a new test known as Galleri that can detect more than 50 types of cancer. These are the forms of cancer that are difficult to detect during their early stages. The test could be very helpful in the treatment of cancer, especially when they are detected during their initial stage, helping save numerous lives.
