The founder and lead surgeon of Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology talks about the potential breakthrough.

Lewisville, TX – If cancer involves the runaway division of malignant cells that eventually harm and overtake the body, it stands to reason that “starving” those cells may slow or stop the disease’s progression. While the logic is sound, the reality is cancer cells thrive off glucose – the very same substance healthy cells need to survive. New research, however, may someday pave the way to literally starve malignant cells without harming healthy ones.

The research in question focuses on a protein known as PARP14. This protein is employed by cancer cells to supercharge their growth. The protein may also serve as a biomarker to predict the possible aggressiveness of cancer and a patient’s likely prognosis. Studies have shown, for example, that patients with high levels of PARP14 are more likely to display aggressive forms of cancer. Some limited studies have also shown that inhibiting PARP14 levels in the body may effectively starve cancer cells, essentially killing them in the process.

“The research into PARP14 opens the door on several potentially important areas of study,” says Dr. Gregory Echt, founder and lead surgeon at Lewisville Flower Mound Oncology. “The protein may one day be able to help physicians better gauge aggressiveness of cancer while also offering a possible curative avenue to explore.”

Whether or not PARP14 inhibitors will stand up to further clinical testing remains to be seen. Even so, the prospect of a possible treatment that may have the ability to impact cancer cells without harming healthy ones is exciting for researchers.

“PARP14 may hold the key to better diagnostics and treatments for cancer,” says Dr. Echt. “As studies continue, the need to assess personal cancer risks and take steps to lower them remains quite constant. Early screening and detection of most forms of cancer can and often does lead to lifesaving treatments.”

About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group
The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.