The Evolutionary Biology Of Cancer

Therefore treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are showing less and less results and it is becoming more evident that cancer is being driven by the selective pressure of natural selection. This is why many scientists and researchers have begun to view cancer from an evolutionary and ecological lens broadening prospects that research is furthering and bringing society closer to a cure. The application of evolution and ecology to cancer is already helping us to better understand, predict and control this disease (Merlo 933.) Being able to look at cancer with a different perspective and approach can lead to countless discoveries and a better understanding of mutant cells that hold the ability to replicate and kill very quickly. The studies of cancer biology through evolution and ecology have brought insight from research as well as brought profound implications in understanding why current cancer treatment are failing and how radically new therapies might now arise.

This new study is challenging the way people think about DNA. This study by the ... ... middle of paper ... ... Medical companies give their clients safe medicine and this is another reason why the genetic medicine and treatment should add on to medicine the world already have. Genetic testing is revolutionary it has the capability to help the world advance and grow. The United States have the ability to use technology and develop technology that could change our world. Through genetic experimentation diseases could cease to plague our citizens, the world could have a new and exciting medical renaissance, and the treatments to diseases would be enduring.

Because the epigenome can be repaired, the cure for cancer might not be far off. Dacogen, a demethylating agent, strip the methylation patterns in the genome, which allows the fire to burn itsel... ... middle of paper ... ...tic genes being different from environmental factors. The twin who develops this disorder is believed to have a lower methylation level, which sequentially leads to the over activity of genes. This low level is affected by environmental factors and possibly underlying DNA or genetic vulnerability, which can be extremely dangerous. However, changes in methylation do not change the genes’ genetic makeup.

One of the most controversial topics discussed in the world of medicine pertained to the topic of genetic engineering. Some doctors saw it as tool of world destruction, however many of them seeing it as a chance of potential cures and treatments. Charles Darwin first introduced this idea. In his first publication, The Origin of Species, he introduced the idea of survival of the fittest. He stated that evolutionary change was only possible due to the genetic variation between each generation, including the combination of different characteristics.

Cancer stem cells are a type of cancer cell that play an intimate role in determining the potential aggressive behavior of cancer. Cancer stem cells have taken the research world by storm, and although heavily debated, could potentially lead to the development of cancer therapies and impact the future of cancer treatment, or even a cure. In order to understand cancer stem cells, one must first understand stem cells in general. The idea of cancer stem cells was proposed over 100 years ago, but has recently become a major focus because of the similarities they share with normal stem cells. The idea of cancer stem cells generated research because sub-components of stem cells have been located in tumors of the breast, brain, and other organs.

Critics may argue that there are moral and ethical problems associated with this novel technique, but for the most part scientists realize the importance this advancement will have. Gene therapy may be the key to curing dozens of diseases, and has endless possibilities, but more research is needed before its safe or accepted as common practice.

This approach seems more reasonable than using this technology to choose one’s eye color or keep someone on life support just because it is something that can be done, whether or not that is acceptable or not. To start with, scientific breakthroughs are necessary to improve human health and longevity. With the advancements in biotechnology there comes the opportunity to cure diseases that once devastated the population which allows for a healthier generation of people. For example, many vaccinations for diseases such as H1N1 have been popular in order to avoid being caught with the virus. Vaccinations have been used for years because of their ability to prevent diseases from spreading where they normally would have infected hundreds to thousands of people otherwise.

To begin to answer this question it is useful to examine cancer cells and their interactions with the immune system in more detail. Tumors are formed by the alteration of the body’s own cells. This can be caused by environmental factors such as radiation, like UV exposure, chemicals or viruses 1. These can disrupt genes that control growth and cause an increase in cell division and proliferation. Proto-oncogenes are those genes that control normal but essential cell processes that keep cell growth and death in check.

When it comes down to it, it is nearly impossible to tell what caused a certain person to develop Pancreatic Cancer, but there are some important biological factors that can help doctors understand why it was formed. Scientists have conducted population-based studies as to why Pancreatic Cancer forms. These studies have also helped determine risk factors of Pancreatic Cancer and how to prevent them. Pancreatic Cancer is also caused by damage to DNA, which can be inherited from parents or from aging. Smokers double their chances of developing Pancreatic Cancer versus if they did not smoke.

Genome sequencing not only suggests the most suitable course of treatment but the pr... ... middle of paper ... ... benefit both the medical world and the society in general. Whole genome sequencing is the basis for innovative advances to screening, diagnosis, risk expectation, and analytical programs in medical practice (Caulfield et al., 2013). Conclusion Overall, I believe that sequencing individual genomes should become a routine part of medical care because genome sequencing can benefit medical practice immensely. With whole genome sequencing, individualized medicine will come into effect and individuals will receive a better diagnosis and an effective treatment when required. Although there is still ambiguity regarding whether genome sequencing can enhance an individual’s health, the procedure has been able to identify unusual and common variants that give rise to future diseases.