A groundbreaking study, recently published in the journal Oncotarget delves into the depths of the cellular world, unveiling a potential ancient anti-cancer mechanism. The research was led by scientists Monal Patel and Marcus E. Peter from Despite significant advancements in cancer therapy, cancer still ranks among the leading causes of death worldwide. This systemic ailment, which can affect individuals regardless of age, begins at the cellular level. Single cells, once they acquire mutations, undergo a transformation known as neo-plastic transformation.
Evolutionary Perspective on Cancer
Cell division is the biggest risk factor for the accumulation of mutations, explaining why all multicellular organisms which evolved about 2 billion years ago, are prone to cancer. Given the recent achievements in cancer treatment with immune checkpoint blockade therapies, multicellular organisms may have developed the immune system as a mechanism to eradicate cancerous cells.
“However, the immune system arose relatively recently, ~500 million years ago.”
Moreover, studies have shown that cancer cells can become resistant to the anticancer activity of both the innate and the adaptive immune system. Therefore, while the immune system is important, it is likely not the most vital machinery that emerged in multicellular organisms to prevent cancer formation. The researchers believe that there are other more effective and archaic anti-cancer mechanisms that are conserved during evolution.
The Role of RNA Interference
Of note, DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28466