Researchers keep cells from becoming cancerous

Some cancers are too sensitive to proteins that stimulate their growth, Johns Hopkins researchers say in a study that could lead to safer, more effective therapies that block that growth.

Cancers with two active genes for a hormone become addicted to that protein, according to an article appearing this week in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences. The Hopkins research team demonstrated that blocking this “addiction” in mice can prevent cancer growth.