Scientists find "master" breast cancer gene

[Joan M]

PARIS (AFP) - Geneticists have identified a super gene which causes breast cancer to metastasise, the deadly process by which the disease spreads to other organs, according to a study released Wednesday.

Described by the US researchers as a "master regulator," the SATB1 gene alters the behaviour of at least 1,000 other genes within tumour cells, said the study, published in the British journal Nature.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080312/ts_afp/healthdiseasecancerbiotechdrugs

[lilyecuadorian]

Kohwi-Shigematsu is working on a means for delivering an inhibitor via microscopic nanocapsules, and said trials on humans could start within a couple of years. Prognostic tools could be available within a year.

couples of years ......???????????

[Joan M]

Hi Lily,

Thanks for "advancing this story," as we say in the newspaper business.

The report was several weeks old already but I couldn't find it on the message board for articles.

I agree with your question about what exactly is a "couple of years." But in knowing the researcher's name, we can follow-up on the progress being made.

Joan