New ‘supermolecule’ can help detect, combat and monitor cancer

UK scientists have presented findings on a single protein that can be used to detect, treat and monitor cancer.

Oxford University scientists at the Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council's Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology have found that the protein Gamma H2AX is a potential multipurpose 'supermolecule'.

Findings showed that this protein can be assessed to detect precancerous breast cells, targeted using modified antibodies to deliver radiotherapy and then monitored to assess the progress of treatment.

This hypothesis, if proven in larger studies, could offer a potentially useful means of improving the effectiveness of radiotherapy.

Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK's senior science information manager, said: "This important study reveals that targeting this  key molecule could provide an exciting route for new ways to detect cancer at an earlier stage – and help to deliver radiotherapy and monitor its effect on tumours."

Radiotherapy is used in the treatment of around 40 percent of cancer patients and is one of the most important methods of tackling the disease.