The goal of scientists and supporting staff at M. D. Anderson's Science Park-Research
Division is to develop rational - and practical - methods to prevent cancer.
From their laboratories and offices near Smithville in the piney woods of central Texas,
they conduct research to understand what causes cancer. During the past year, they have
reported advances that demonstrate the fundamental process of carcinogens, which are
cancer-causing agents.
Those milestones include:
· The first direct evidence that a major chemical carcinogen, benzopyrene, in cigarette
smoke seeks out and damages the p53 gene in lung cells. This research confirms at the
molecular level how smoking can cause lung cancer and offers new avenues for therapy and
prevention.
· In the area of genetic susceptibility, four investigators have recognized genes that
predispose mice to leukemia, fish to melanoma and mice to non-melanoma skin cancer. Some
genes may be important in cancer prevention.
· Studies conducted by Dr. John Di Giovanni, ad interim director of the Research
Division, have identified naturally occurring compounds - called coumarins - that are
found in citrus fruits and cilantro and that block cancer induction in experimental
animals. Since these compounds are ingested regularly in the human diet, they hold
considerable promise as chemoprevention agents.
· Early studies have shown that cancer may be prevented in mice by restricting
calories.
This research compares the cancer preventive potential of a one-day fast each week to
reducing daily calories by 30 to 40 percent.
"At the Science Park-Research Division, we have a group of premier scientists who
work together in a unique environment that encourages collaboration with relatively few
distractions. Our collaborative projects have allowed us to accelerate understanding the
basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis and cancer prevention," says Dr. DiGiovanni, who
holds the Ruth and Walter Sterling Professorship.
The animal studies conducted at the Research Division are supported by staff at the
Science Park's Department of Veterinary Sciences located near Bastrop. This program
provides specialized veterinary services, animal models and biologics for biomedical
research at many institutions.