In the confusing struggle of scientists with colorectal cancer, a new opponent appeared: cancer cells capable of returning to a state similar to embryonic - a process known as " This transformation allows cells to become more adapted, which allows them to withstand treatment, which is usually effective against their more mature analogues, writes Ecancer.

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Traditionally, efforts to combat colorectal cancer were aimed at a certain group of tumor cells, determined by the presence of a marker called LGR5. These cells, known as LGR5-positive stem cells of cancer, were involved in the growth and relapse of the tumor. However, the latest scientific data indicate that some of these LGR5-positive cells can go into an embryonic state, which makes them resistant to traditional methods of treatment.

Dr. Slim Mzaufi, associate professor of the Department of Oncology at the ICAN Medical School at Mount-Sinai and the author of the study published in the journal Nature Genetics, emphasized the significance of this discovery: “This questions the generally accepted opinion that colorectal cancer is developing thanks to a single and uniform population of cancer.

On the contrary, the study of scientists shows that several different states of cancer stem cells coexist and interact, having a significant effect on the progression of the tumor and resistance to therapy. The research group in cooperation with several leading institutions of the world found that, suppressing the oncofetal program, it is possible to increase the effectiveness of existing methods of treatment.

Dr. Ernesto Guchchione, a professor of oncology in Mount-Sinai, noted: “Our data indicate that the inhibition of the oncofetal program in combination with existing methods of treatment can provide a powerful approach to overcoming resistance to therapy in the disease”.

For doctors and scientists, these results make it possible to understand deeper why some patients with colorectal cancer have resistance to treatment and relapse of the disease. Future therapeutic strategies, including inhibitors of the oncophthal program in existing chemotherapy schemes, can significantly improve the condition of the patients and extend the survival rate.

The term " This return to a more primitive state is a strategy that cancer cells are used to increase adaptability and stability, just as some animals can return to a more juvenile form for the regeneration of lost parts of the body.

Previously, Focus wrote about the development of a hydrogel that effectively destroys brain cancer. Researchers conducted tests on mice and the results were impressive.

Focus also wrote about the treatment of brain cancer with viruses and radiotherapy. The new study showed an innovative combined approach to combating this deadly disease.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict it. The text is exclusively informational in nature and does not contain medical advice. To establish a diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor.