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Tapeworm protein promises new cancer treatment

Dr Shiwanthi Ranasinghe – Research Assistant, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

Tapeworm protein promises new cancer treatment

A new protein discovered from dog tapeworms has been found to decrease the effect of enzymes secreted by cancer cells and significantly reduce the growth of breast and skin cancers in mice.

Cancer cells secrete enzymes called proteases which digest normal surrounding tissue to increase the spread of cancer cells.

The new protein discovered by QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute researchers deactivates the cancer enzymes.

“We believe this new protein holds great promise for developing a drug treatment to stop cancer growth,” says Shiwanthi Ranasinha.

Written by Dr Shiwanthi Ranasinghe and edited by Econnect Communication.

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I never had so much confidence to go out in public and talk about my research and would have never done if I had not been part of this workshop. They were also very patient and explained the concepts so clearly. They have definitely been great initiators to take science to the society and have changed my view on science journalism for good. Thanks a lot for all the efforts and training.
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