One of the earliest chemotherapy drugs appears to work against a genetic fault that can trigger bowel and other cancers, UK researchers say.
In laboratory tests methotrexate, first administered in the 1940s, was found to destroy cells containing the damaged MSH2 gene.
This raises the hope of targeted treatments for those whose cancer is driven by the faulty gene.
Patient trials have already begun, EMBO Molecular Medicine reports.
The genetic condition HNPCC leaves people with a propensity to develop certain forms of cancer: some 90% of men and 70% of women will have developed bowel cancer by the time they reach 70.
This accounts for about 5% of all bowel cancer cases, and the condition also contributes to tumours of the stomach, womb, ovaries and kidneys.
About 40% of people with HNPCC carry a faulty MSH2 gene. The gene usually plays a vital role in repairing DNA damage, but if it is damaged, mistakes accumulate in the cells and increase the risk of a cancer developing. Read more...
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