Study uncovers potential means of blocking bowel cancer DNA repair

Scientists have discovered a possible new method of treating bowel cancer by preventing affected cells from repairing themselves.

An Institute of Cancer Research team, funded by Cancer Research UK, has found that blocking a protein called PINK1 can diminish cancerous cells' ability to protect themselves from DNA damage.

Under normal conditions, MLH1 or MSH2 proteins would be able to repair this damage, but because cancer cells often also have faults with these proteins, they would be vulnerable to attack in this way.

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK's director of cancer information, noted that a development drug PARP that blocks two different DNA repair routes simultaneously is already being trialled for breast and ovarian cancer.

"This research suggests that similar techniques could be used to treat other cancers," added Dr Walker.

Earlier this week, further research from Washington University School of Medicine showed that those who exercise regularly are less likely to develop bowel polyps, which can develop into bowel cancer.