As of: February 21, 2024, 4:06 p.m
By: Judith Braun
Comments
Press
Split
Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive types of cancer.
Researchers have now developed a way to kill the tumors in the ovaries.
According to the
Robert Koch Institute
(RKI), every year in Germany people fall ill
around 7,300 women suffer from ovarian cancer.
The type of cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors, so that, according to
ZDF
, not only thousands of women get it every year, but thousands also die from it.
The cancer is often only discovered late, when it is already well advanced and metastases have already formed.
However, researchers have now achieved a groundbreaking success in combating ovarian cancer.
Fighting ovarian cancer: New study gives hope with mRNA active ingredient
Every year thousands of women in Germany develop ovarian cancer - and thousands die from it.
© Pond5 Images/IMAGO
For their study published in the specialist magazine
Cancer Communications,
scientists from Goethe University and the University Hospital Frankfurt developed an artificial mRNA as an active ingredient that prevents the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells or kills them.
The p53 gene is mutated in 96 percent of patients with ovarian cancer.
This gene contains the instructions for a protein that normally detects damage in the cell's DNA and triggers repair mechanisms.
However, if the gene is mutated, this protective mechanism does not work.
If a cell wants to produce a specific protein, it has a copy (called mRNA) of the gene made, which contains the instructions for the protein.
However, in women affected by ovarian cancer, the mRNAs have errors, as does the gene from which they were copied.
The researchers have now developed an mRNA in the laboratory with a blueprint for a flawless protein.
This artificial mRNA, packaged in fatty vesicles, was brought together with cultures of human cancer cells.
This showed that the cells used the artificial mRNA to produce functional p53 protein.
Don't miss out: You can find everything about health in the newsletter of our partner 24vita.de.
Ovarian cancer: Artificial mRNA shrinks and kills tumor cells
The artificially produced mRNA was successfully used in the study against ovarian cancer tumors grown in the laboratory.
After treatment, these shrank and even began to die.
The mRNA was also tested on mice.
The tumors in the ovaries also almost completely disappeared in the animals.
In the next step, the scientists would like to test the mRNA on ovarian patients.
My news
Reduce belly fat: If you know one rule, you are guaranteed to read your stomach
According to experts, up to five kilos of weight loss per week should be possible - with intermittent fasting
Influenza illness: How long does it last in an adult?read
No appointment in the practice necessary: Read which specialists you can see directly without a referral
Pantoprazole for heartburn: Why you should switch to alternatives read
Detoxification patches for feet: Detox miracle cure or rather a rip-off?read
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.