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Study reveals novel approach to stop cancer cells from dividing


November 28, 2011

While the goal of most cancer treatments is to kill cancer cells, new research led by Dr. Ian Lorimer suggests that preventing cancer cells from dividing may also be a valuable strategy. In a paper published in Oncogene, Dr. Lorimer and his team show that blocking a protein called PKCiota in breast and brain cancer cells causes them to stop dividing and become permanently “senescent”. This same strategy had no effect on normal cells. While this research is still in the early stages, it represents an important new avenue to explore for future cancer treatment approaches.

This research was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation.