Researchers Discover How Cancer Cheats Immune System

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BlankResearchers Discover How Cancer Cheats Immune System: BC Cancer Agency Team

Finds Clues In Two Lymphoma Types

04 Mar 2011

BC Cancer Agency scientists have discovered that a single gene, CIITA, is

implicated in almost 40 per cent of primary mediastinal B-cell lymphomas (a type

of non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and 15 per cent of all Hodgkin lymphoma cases.

The groundbreaking discovery, published in the international science and medical

journal Nature, identifies for the first time a commonly-occurring gene fusion

as a cause in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, and as one of only a handful

of times a specific gene has been implicated in the development of Hodgkin

lymphoma.

" British Columbia is recognized as a world-leader in cancer research and care, "

says Vancouver Fairview MLA Margaret MacDiarmid, on behalf Health Services

Minister Colin Hansen. " Discoveries have improved outcomes for cancer patients

in British Columbia, Canada and around the world. "

The process begins when the CIITA gene breaks off and fuses with another gene (a

process called chromosomal translocation). The gene fusion creates a

double-whammy for the immune system by a) knocking out a molecule that helps

T-cells detect cancerous cells in the body - thereby allowing the cancerous

cells to multiply unchecked - and increasing the expression of a second

molecule that leads to the destruction of T-cells, which are important for

attacking cancer cells.

The discovery of this two-fold mechanism-one which disguises cancer cells from

detection, so they can proliferate, and the other which eliminates cancer

fighting T-cells-creates a one-two punch for the immune system, leaving the body

vulnerable to disease.

For full story, see

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=218163