Attacking Cancer with Synthetic and Natural Toxins

   http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130211162458.htm
   The hope to one day eliminate cancer is a common goal for many doctors and scientists across the world. It all comes from what is effective in eliminating this devastating illness.

   One of the most harmful things about cancer and deadly bacteria is not that they can't be destroyed but rather that they reproduce very rapidly and in a way that is drug-resistant. So the challenge is coming up with a technique to kill cancer and stop the drug-resistance.

   In this article scientists compare a new system in conquering cancer and harmful bacteria to the methods of boxers and other competitive fighting. The analogy of a one-two punch is given with regard to the synthetic and natural toxins that can knock out cancer and bacteria while also inhibiting their ability to become drug-resistant. This idea connects back to our in-class discussion about the effects of antibiotics. They work for most of the time but that last little bit of bacteria that might not get killed have become drug-resistant. They then reproduce and the body is now full of bacteria that are uneffected by antibiotics. The toxin approach would be able to eliminate the ability of these cells to become drug-resistant and thus redering them conquerable.

   The process itself involves a synthetic toxin (AMP) called D-KLAKLAK-2 is known to kill cancer cells an d has recently been found to be effective against some anti-biotic bacteria. They are known as Gram-negative bacteria and are a pathogen that includes drug-resistant varieties of bacteria causing pnuemonia. It works by attacking the mitochondria of the cells. From what I know about cells and the properties of cancer, an attack at the mitochondria would be successful in killing the cell.

   If this process is really so effective, doctors would be able to conquer all forms of harmful bacteria. The article didn't reveal exactly how far along this idea is but it does show that scientist are working very intently. They're not just thinking about the positives of the procedure but also what could go wrong and with that in mind, adjusting accordingly. That method of checking all possible outcomes is what leads to great science and I hope that one day cancer can be eliminated effectively by this procedure and its outcomes.