Scientists discover why some cancers survive chemotherapy
Key takeaways
- Scientists have discovered that a powerful cancer-linked protein does more than fuel tumor growth.
- The study, published in Genes & Development, focused on MYC, a protein that is abnormally active in most human cancers.
- By helping cancer cells repair this damage, MYC may contribute to treatment resistance and poorer outcomes for patients.
Why this matters: new research or scientific developments with potential real-world impact.
Scientists have discovered that a powerful cancer-linked protein does more than fuel tumor growth. It also helps cancer cells survive by repairing damaged DNA, a finding that could eventually improve treatments for some of the deadliest cancers.
The study, published in Genes & Development, focused on MYC, a protein that is abnormally active in most human cancers. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) found that MYC directly helps fix dangerous breaks in DNA, allowing tumor cells to recover from chemotherapy and other treatments designed to destroy them.
By helping cancer cells repair this damage, MYC may contribute to treatment resistance and poorer outcomes for patients.