Researchers studied ovarian cancer cells and the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The drug was known to damage DNA, but the study shows it also affects microtubules, the cell scaffold that helps cells keep their shape and survive stress. Cancer cells can change this scaffold to avoid the drug.
The team found a protein that makes microtubules more stable and helps cells resist cisplatin. In laboratory models, removing the protein made cancer cells more sensitive to the drug. Patients with lower protein levels lived longer and responded better to treatment.
Next steps are to develop drugs that target the protein and to test whether the protein can be a biomarker for resistance. The work may also explain common chemotherapy side effects like nerve damage, hair loss and hearing loss.
Difficult words
- microtubule — A long thin structure inside a cellmicrotubules
- scaffold — Structure that supports and holds something
- protein — Molecule in cells that does many jobs
- resist — To not be harmed by something
- sensitive — Easily affected or harmed by something
- biomarker — A measurable sign of a disease or condition
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could a biomarker help doctors make treatment decisions?
- Which chemotherapy side effect mentioned would be most difficult for you, and why?
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