Colorectal Cancer News

Human Protein may Help Treat Colorectal Cancer

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF), a protein that, in humans, is encoded by the HDGF gene, may be able to help fight colorectal cancer in the future.

Researchers from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University in China found that the protein may help in the detection and killing of cancer cells. They cited recent studies that linked the protein with cancerous tumors. The study sought to clarify the relationship between the presence of the protein and the growth of cancerous tumors.

Scientists analyzed the role of the protein in colorectal cancer progression. Their results revealed that the protein seemed to be linked to colorectal cancer cells. "These findings suggest that HDGF is involved in colorectal carcinogenesis process. Further blocking HDGF exhibits potent pro-apoptotic properties in colon cancer cells," stated the researchers.

They concluded that HDGF might be a potential therapeutic target for human colorectal cancer. Further research is needed.

References:

1. Liao F, Dong W, Fan L. Apoptosis of human colorectal carcinoma cells is induced by blocking hepatoma-derived growth factor. Med Oncol. 2009 Nov 19.
2. Colon Cancer Alliance. www.ccalliance.org. Copyright® 2009

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