156: yet more promise in cancer research

There was yet more good news in the battle against cancer today, following the breast cancer breakthrough earlier this week (this blog, post 154). Scientists at Harvard University have identified a key enzyme that facilitates cancer cell growth. The enzyme, PKM2, is one of two forms of 'pyruvate kinase' and helps cancer cells consume the glucose they need to grow. Therapy that blocks or destroys PKM2, therefore, could help limit the growth of cancerous tumors. Indeed, according to today's linked article from the BBC, a drug is already in development that could work in this way. Though the results may be a little way off just now, it certainly is an exciting time in cancer research...