Thread: Theory for Cancer Cure

Hey guys!

In AP Biology recently, we were learning about cancer, and I asked why the white blood cells don't just digest the cancer cells. My teacher replied saying that cancer cells rely on stealth in a sense and when they become cancer cells, the receptors that white blood cells use to detect and attack foreign or rogue molecules/cells. So, having learned about cell communication recently, I thought you might be able to use an existing signal molecule to constantly monitor cells to check if they have these receptors. If they don't, then they would send a signal to the white blood cell when attached to one of its receptors to attack the cancer cells. However, there are a few problems with this. Again, this is just a theory and I wanted to put it out there. If there were a lack of receptors, then the signal molecules would have to begin in a state where they would activate white blood cells even if there was no cancer cell. Still thinking about that. Also, you would have to design your own signal transduction pathway to activate the attack on the cancer cells. I just had this thought and I figured there are some people on here with a lot more knowledge than me. Thanks guys!

Jake

Though theoretically plausible, I believe the white blood cells would be directed to attack the receptor, and not the cancerous substance itself.

There's also this guy:
The Kanzius Machine: A Cancer Cure? - CBS News

Dunno about you guys... But this page took forever to load on my browser:
Alternative Cancer Treatment - Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation

There is quite a lot of research into creating antibodies against cancer cells; google "monoclonal antibodies" for more info.

Just wondering are there any antigens at all in the cytoplasm or on the membrane of a cancer cell? That would really be helpful.... But cancer is not exactly known for being helpful.

I got it! Sort of.. What if you were to have a little flexible material that you coat with a sort of gel on one side that has antigens in it. Then, you would put it one the cancer site, and the antigens would have to diffuse into the cancer cells, and maybe you could have antibodies that the white blood cells send out into other cells that would bind with these antigens and activate the white blood cells. Maybe you could use a second messenger like cAMP to transport the message back from the antibody to the white blood cells? I don't know if they already have seperate antibodies..

Scratch that, you wouldn't be able to kill all the cancer cells I don't think and it would also require it to have been detected.. The search continues! Perhaps when I know more about biology I'll be able to work something out :/