Scientists discover that cancer can cheat death

A team of scientists have discovered that "rewired" biochemical pathways allow cancer cells to cheat death.

In a study published in Science Signaling and undertaken by a team at the University of Western Ontario, scientists have identified how these "rewired" pathways allow cancer cells to ignore signals that would normally trigger cell death, creating cells that may become resistant to treatment.

"This work focused on understanding how cancer cells acquire a selective survival advantage, allowing them to avoid apoptosis, the process required for normal cell turnover and chemically-induced cell death" explained David Litchfield, chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Professor in the Department of Oncology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and lead author of the study.

He suggested that the study will hopefully promote further research into the field in order to prevent cells becoming treatment resistant.

Professor Litchfield predicted that the discovery would pave the way for "novel" therapy approaches that would neutralise or prevent the "rewiring" and ensure cancer cells respond.