More exciting developments in research field, from our very own Prof Hardev Pandha
Findings from a 7-year research which he led suggests that there could be a new approach to treating one of the most common and devastating forms of brain cancer in adults – Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM).
Prof Pandha said:
“People who suffer from Glioblastoma Multiforme have a five percent survival rate over a five-year period – a figure that has not improved in decades.
While we are still early in the process, our seven-year project offers a glimmer of hope for finding a solution to Hox gene dysregulation, which is associated with the growth of GBM and other cancers, and which has proven to be elusive as a target for so many years”.
Ironically, Hox genes are responsible for the healthy growth of brain tissue but are ordinarily silenced at birth after vigorous activity in the growing embryo. However, if they are inappropriately ‘switched on’ again, their activity can lead to the progression of cancer. Hox gene dysregulation has long been recognised in GBM.
The project was carried out in collaboration with the universities of Surrey, Leeds and Texas, and HOX Therapeutics, a University of Surrey start-up company based on the University’s Surrey Research Park.
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