The Science behind Cancer

Why is cancer so hard to cure?

For decades, scientists have investigated the genomes and enzymes, going as far as pulsing electricity through the body. Nevertheless, they still have not uncovered the truth about cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health(NIU), up to 2 million new cancer cases and 60 thousand cancer deaths are expected to occur last year. Especially in South Korea, the most common cancer sites are the lung, breast, thyroid, and more. 

Nowadays, cancer is defined as a disease in which cells pop out from their normal cell division control system. Genes regulating cell growth and division include genes encoding growth factors, their receptors, and the intracellular molecules of signaling pathways. Not only the accumulation of mutations throughout life but even environmental influences such as high-energy radiation or viruses could play a role in developing cancer. 

To understand the whole process, we must look into specific types of genes. When proto-oncogenes, the normal cellular genes, are turned into cancer-causing genes called oncogenes, they hold the potential to result in cancerous tumors. This phenomenon is sometimes caused by the knocking-out of the tumor-suppressor genes such as the p53 gene and Rb gene. For instance, if a specific transcription factor bound to a Rb gene is missing, the inhibitory protein will not appear and therefore the cell cycle is unable to be inhibited. Excessive cell division ultimately results in the development of cancer. 

Undoubtedly, human beings and cancer have a long history. The evidence of cancer was first found in fossilized bone tumors in ancient Egypt. It has been documented since ancient times. The earliest known description of cancer was “bulging mass in the breast” in the Edwin Smith Papyrus. Ancient Greek physicians such as Hippocrates and Galen also made significant contributions to the understanding of cancer. 

Cancer research using methods of human gene therapy and gene editing continues to advance rapidly with ongoing efforts. Just a few years ago, there were no perfect solutions for cancer but now it has changed. Many scientists envision a future of personalized medicine to be actively utilized, and recent studies have shown it is possible. Yes, the future of clinical approaches to cancer is bright. You can count on it.