American scientists have developed a new method to treat melanoma which was successfully tested on mice.
What melanoma is
Melanoma is a cancerous growth on the skin that is developed from pigment cells containing melanin. Externally melanoma resembles a usual mole, however, there exist particular signs that help to define cancerous growth. Unlike mole, cancerous growth is a non-symmetric formation with irregular edges and its diameter is more than 5mm. In some cases inoffensive mole which did not show itself for years may turn into melanoma.
Signs that mole turns into melanoma:
- size increase
- color change
- reshaping
- itching
- ulceration
- bleeding
Major factor leading to melanoma development is action of ultraviolet irradiation.
What are the dangers of melanoma?
Major danger of melanoma is that even small tumors give metastasis into all organs and tissues of the body. The process of metastasis formation presents spreading of cancerous cells via lymphatic and blood vessels. When cancerous cells get into healthy organs and tissues they start multiplying which significantly aggravates treatment and the prognosis for treatment.
History of the research
Watching the mice which had no genes responding for production of special type of immune cells – T helper 17 cells., scientists found that in those mice melanoma was not developed. Thus appeared a hypothesis that blocking of signal path of T helper 17 cells would help to stop tumor growth. Besides this, scientists found that in mice bodies was presented a specific substance called interleukine that is formed under the action of other immune cells – T helper 9 cells.
Essence of the research
The research was performed on mice in which scientists modeled melanoma. As a treatment, scientists injected T helper 9 cells in mice. It turned out that immune therapy helps to slow down tumor growth. Besides this, scientists discovered that in a healthy man T helper 9 cells are found in blood and skin while in melanoma this type of immune system cells is absent or is found in small amounts.
Results of the research
Today is actively developed a new method of cancer treatment called immune therapy. Results of the latest study tell about success of usage drugs stimulating immune system in patients with melanoma. Scientists hope that data obtained will help to perform new studies to evaluate the role of T helper 9 cells in cancer treatment.
What are the dangers of melanoma?
Major danger of melanoma is that even small tumors give metastasis into all organs and tissues of the body. The process of metastasis formation presents spreading of cancerous cells via lymphatic and blood vessels. When cancerous cells get into healthy organs and tissues they start multiplying which significantly aggravates treatment and the prognosis for treatment.
History of the research
Watching the mice which had no genes responding for production of special type of immune cells – T helper 17 cells., scientists found that in those mice melanoma was not developed. Thus appeared a hypothesis that blocking of signal path of T helper 17 cells would help to stop tumor growth. Besides this, scientists found that in mice bodies was presented a specific substance called interleukine that is formed under the action of other immune cells – T helper 9 cells.
Essence of the research
The research was performed on mice in which scientists modeled melanoma. As a treatment, scientists injected T helper 9 cells in mice. It turned out that immune therapy helps to slow down tumor growth. Besides this, scientists discovered that in a healthy man T helper 9 cells are found in blood and skin while in melanoma this type of immune system cells is absent or is found in small amounts.
Results of the research
Today is actively developed a new method of cancer treatment called immune therapy. Results of the latest study tell about success of usage drugs stimulating immune system in patients with melanoma. Scientists hope that data obtained will help to perform new studies to evaluate the role of T helper 9 cells in cancer treatment.
