• 1/24/2007
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Marilyn Brooks
  • WTAE.TV (www.thepittsburghchannel.com)

Slowly but surely, scientists are unraveling the mysteries of cancer, and they said some of the discoveries are truly surprising.

The new study focuses on head and neck tumors, but it could have even wider implications.

Researchers in Cleveland said they’ve made a breakthrough discovery that could help future cancer diagnosis not just in head and neck tumors but all types of cancers.

Scientists study all types of cancer by examining the tumor. They’ve done that for years. But they made the recent discovery while looking at the DNA in tissue surrounding the tumor.

“This is, for the first time, we have looked at the stroma, or the innocent, surrounding cells in head and neck cancer and have found genetic alterations that are very similar to the cancer itself, so that’s a first and it’s stunning,” said Dr. Charis Eng.

Researchers analyzed DNA from 122 people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and found it similar to the DNA found in more common forms of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Researchers believe this one is not sun-related but rather caused by smoking or other kinds of tobacco use.

Head and neck cancers are difficult to treat, because it has already grown by the time the diagnosis is made. The American Cancer Society reports half of those diagnosed won’t survive the disease.

Eng said she hopes her findings will one day improve survival rates.

“We have now uncovered a new target for therapy,” said Eng. “Now we can target these surrounding cells.”

Eng said she also hopes a simple blood test will someday let doctors diagnose and treat the potentially deadly cancer much earlier.