A Compound Found in Turmeric May Increase Cancer Cells' Sensitivity to Radiation

One of the primary problems related to treating cancer is that some cancer cells tend to develop a resistance to radiation therapy. However, Indian researchers have discovered how this resistance comes about within cervical cancer cells, and state that these cancers cells may be made to be more sensitive to radiation if they are treated with a compound found in turmeric, called curcumin.

Cancerous cells contain a tiny amount of stem cells which can grow resistant to both drug and radiation treatments. Because of this, after the majority of cancerous cells are destroyed by treatments, the resistant cells continue to multiply and can result in lesions.  These could then result in a recurrence of the cancer after awhile.

Previous studies had indicated the crucial role of a human protein, known as AP-1, in cancer cells developing a resistance to radiation.  Exactly how this occurred was unknown, though. This new research identifies the specific process of resistance in cancerous cells in the  cervix caused by an HPV infection. Scientists believe this could be the same mechanism operating in other types of cancers, as well.

This research is founded on previous research which found that treatment with curcumin, which is an herbal compound contained in turmeric, makes cancerous stem cells more sensitive to radiation.

The science team was led by Professor Das and Dr. Alok C Bharti. The study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Indian Council of Medical Research.

Source: India Science Wire.