Does Cancer Have An Achilles Heel?

Scientists believe they have discovered unique markings within a tumour, allowing the body to target cancer.

20:18 06 March 2016

Scientists at University College London claim that they have discovered unique markings within a tumour, referred to as “Achilles heel”, that allows the body to target cancer. Although highly promising, experts admit that the method, which is yet to bet tested in patients, would not only be expensive but also more complicated in reality.

 

However, the research, which was funded by Cancer Research UK, is hoped to form the framework of new treatments. Researchers behind the study hope that by analysing the DNA, a bespoke treatment can be discovered.

 

People have tried to steer the immune system to kill tumours before. However, such efforts are not largely successful because the body’s own defences is believed to be going after the wrong target. This is because cancer cells are heavily mutated and they can look and behave differently.

 

The study focused on identifying the “trunk” mutations that change antigens – the proteins that stick out from the surface of cancer cells.

 

Professor Charles Swanton, from the UCL Cancer Institute, added: "This is exciting. Now we can prioritise and target tumour antigens that are present in every cell - the Achilles heel of these highly complex cancers.

 

"This is really fascinating and takes personalised medicine to its absolute limit, where each patient would have a unique, bespoke treatment."