Treatments that target specific gene/gene product/gene regulation and how they work - Article Example

The cases of esophageal cancer that arise from the gastro-esophageal junction are not very common in America. In the year 2003, 13,900 cases of esophageal cancer were reported, whereas the numbers of cases anticipated were 13,000 (Jing Shen). Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center have been working on curing the two genes that are the cause behind some of the worst conditions of esophageal cancer. They are searching for data that would help them to target those specific genes that cause esophageal cancer.

Tony Godfrey a PhD worked with the professor of surgery James. P Wilmot, on a research that takes into account the chromosomal abnormalities that foster low survival rate in the patients of esophageal cancers. The research encircled around targeting the specific gene and finding the cure for the cancer that occur in the areas of stomach and esophagus (Yukiharu Hiyoshi). Tumor sample were collected by Godfrey, from 116 patients. Advanced molecular analysis apparatuses were used for the investigation of the DNA.

The major goal of the study was to find that chromosomal region that is directly associated with the poor survival of patients suffering from the esophageal cancer (Tony E. Godfrey). . CDK4 is located in the region of chromosome 12q13 but its expression of the genetic alteration is less than that of CDK6 (Peter C. Enzinger). Treatment of Esophageal cancer that target specific gene The drug that targets the activity of CDK4 and CDK6 was prepared by Onyx and Pfizer, which was being used in clinical research and was showing promising results.

This drug was also tested by Wilmot team in their experiment. The result of these experiments showed that the drug was effective in inhibiting the cell cycle of the formation of esophageal cancer cells. The data collected by Wilmot and team showed that CDK4 and CDK6 are the cause of poor survival of the patients suffering from esophageal cancer; therefore it’s necessary to target these cells in order to stop the process of formation of cancerous cells (MicroRNA as a New Factor). For the treatment of the person it is very important that to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease.

The symptoms of esophageal cancer can be Dysphagia which is a state when solid material present in the body progress forward including the body liquids as well. Other common symptoms include weight loss, bleeding and pain in the bones along with metastatic diseases. Persistent cold and hoarseness are other symptoms of esophageal cancer (Raja S). For diagnosing esophageal cancer that target specific gene, endoscopy along with bioscopy is one of the primary methods. Other means use for the purpose of diagnosing cancer includes Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, Endoscopic ultrasonography and Bronchoscopy.

For the patient who is at the first stage of esophageal cancer, endoscopy is a better option for treatment.