Squamous cell lung cancer is a lung cancer subtype that is particularly difficult to treat. A new study now has revealed a novel genetic alteration that occurs in some cases in this type of tumor and that may expose a weakness of the tumor for therapeutic intervention.
The University of Cologne researchers led by Professor Roman Thomas, director of the Department of Translational Genomics, was able to show that a certain genetic change occurs during tumor formation and that a previously unknown oncogene is produced. Oncogenes are genes that promote the growth of tumors. In some cases, they can be inhibited by targeted drug treatments.
This approach is often accompanied by a higher success rate and lower side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. The scientists’ discovery could therefore be a first step toward a more successful therapy of this particular type of cancer.
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