Three leading cancer researchers from the University of Oxford gave insights into recent advances in the field of cancer cell biology, therapy and epidemiology at an Oxford at Saïd seminar on 1 June.
Jordon Raff, recently appointed Professor of Cancer Cell Biology at the Dunn School of Pathology, shed new light on an old hypothesis proposed by Theodor Boveri at the beginning of the 20th century. Boveri was aware that cancer cells often have an abnormal set of chromosomes (a phenomenon termed “genetic instability”), and he proposed that extra centrosomes, which play an integral part in the process of allocating exactly one set of chromosomes to each cell in the process of division, could drive genetic instability, as their presence invariably leads to cells with chromosome abnormalities which may subsequently become cancerous.
W. Gillies McKenna, Director of the Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, linked basic science studies with translational-clinical applications. In his talk he posed the question whether “there was still life left in the old horse” of radiation therapy, as the technology has been used for over 80 years to treat cancer. The answer to the question was yes. Radiotherapy kills cancer cells largely by damaging their DNA and making them unable to continue to divide uncontrollably. McKenna’s research has shown that certain biochemical pathways protect tumours from the effects of radiation. Targeting or manipulating these pathways present a potential therapeutic angle to modify the radiation response of cancer cells, hence making them susceptible to radiation.
Sir Richard Peto’s presentation compared UK mortality statistics from different cancer types since 1950, especially in the age group 35-69 where most causes of death either relate to cancer or vascular diseases. Overall, the mortality from cancer in men in women is in decline. Yet, in order to establish a causal relationship between different types of therapies and the decline in mortality the numbers have to be analysed more carefully. In the case of cervical cancer, for example, the decrease of mortality is due mainly to screening which was implemented as a health care provision in the 1970s. In breast cancer, however, mortality declined due to combining several moderately effective treatments. Some cancer mortality trends are due to changing onset rates as seen in stomach and lung cancer.
A recording of the seminar will be uploaded on iTunes shortly. The Oxford at Saïd series will continue with a talk on Corporate Governance on 26 October 2009.
The Oxford at Saïd series is a joint venture between the Oxford Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Regional Liaison Office of the University of Oxford. The talks are open to professionals, students and staff of the University. Seminars run from 6:00-7:30pm and are followed by a drinks reception.