Student Makes Potential Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Treatment

New treatments make waves in the media frequently. Diseases affect everyone in one way or another. This makes them feel scary and unsolvable. Research is the light at the end of the tunnel that gives us a glimmer of hope. However, it is rarer for a treatment to become a breakthrough for a cure.

Recently, a student made a discovery in treatments for breast cancer. This discovery was using macromolecular science and polymers. As technology continues to develop, there will be many treatments on the molecular level. Polymers are being experimented with as a tool to help fight cancer. Understanding the science behind the phenomenon is crucial. You will need to learn more about these treatments to know if they are for you. Let’s explore the following treatment to find out more.

This treatment

Sandra Musujusu is a female university student in Africa. She was inspired to help her community and use science. Using a lot of dedication, she published some new research recently. She has developed an alternative treatment for breast cancer. This research was recognized by many international organizations. One organization was the World Education Forum. This organization highlights the importance of scientific research. Through a presentation, Sandra’s breakthrough in science was applauded. The breakthrough in research was notable for many reasons.

Musujusu’s research, using macromolecular science, is aimed at developing bio-degradable polymer material. Polymers have great potential to be used as a diagnostic and treatment tool. This biodegradable material is great because it leaves no trace in the body. For many with breast cancer, the triple negative breast cancer is a concern. Her research deals with targeting cancer that is triple negative breast cancer. Many groups, including those with African ancestry and with BCRA gene mutations, are more prone to this type of cancer. Therefore, genetics plays an important part in getting triple negative breast cancer. By targeting the cells, researchers can locate the root cause of the disease. This strategy could be used as an alternative for the treatment of breast cancer in the near future.

Using molecular biology has led to many advances in treatment. If dealing with genetically based breast cancer, cell development is an avenue to treatment. Previously, it was found that breast cancer cells at the molecular level can be changed. This modulation took place by adding bisphosphonate zoledronic acid to the cell. This chemical can inhibit cells with specific heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The heparan sulfate proteoglycans are linked to cancer progression. Targeting new cells are vital to obliterating them. The addition of polymer substances could be one way of obtaining that result. Polymers and nanoscience are paving the way of the future. These methods allow for developments in cell phones, golf clubs, chemicals, and even medicine. A newer application is cancer research. Studies have found that you can target cells through polymers.

Why are polymers preferred over other chemicals? Polymers have specific properties that form ideal chains. There are polymers that can highlight the cancer cells. Once the cancer cells are visible, they can be specifically treated. This gives a signal to doctors to diagnose the problem. Currently, scientists only know how to find the cells. This makes for a useful diagnostic tool, but not a cure. There is enormous potential for polymers as an inhibitor. Once researchers are able to figure out how to eliminate the bad cells, a cure for breast cancer can be found. With researchers like Sandra, these types of treatments will be a reality.

Need for research funding

The scientific breakthrough might lead to a lasting solution to breast cancer. This has applications to women and men all over the world. As a result, it is important to support the research efforts around the world. There are several academic institutes in Africa that highlight the importance of research funding. Called the African Centres of Excellence, these centers are creating world class research like Musujusu’s. The names of these universities include Redeemers University, Mowe; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Jos, Jos; University of Benin and African University of Science and Technology, Abuja. Even more, universities exist that are producing valuable research every day. This is not the first scientific breakthrough to come out of these university centers. In fact, the Ebola virus was studied and tested at one of these sites. For now, the World Bank has committed about ten billion in research funding. Still, more funding is needed. Allowing students to solve real world problems is a great way to teach and produce results at the same time.

As a whole, scientific research can save thousands of lives. Everyone can be positively impacted by scientific research. Sometimes, a new idea or set of eyes can create a new breakthrough. Students are vital tools for new ideas. Medical scientists and students have found the cure to countless diseases. Breast cancer has been studied for a long time, yet a cure has proved elusive. It is important to keep the focus on a cure, both in labs and on the fundraising front. There have been many non-profits fighting for funding. As governments cut budgets, the scientific community has really suffered. It often takes years until a new source of revenue is found. Since research is a long process, a lot of fundraising is needed. Equipment, materials, and other resources are the lifeline of medical research. The worldwide education forum served as a reminder of all the good done by research. As a community, there is much to be done to keep the spotlight on research, home and abroad. Following and finding ways to support research will allow developments to continue.

New innovations require new thinking. To solve breast cancer, there needs to be a lot of outside the box methods. Communities need to band together to produce results. By building on current research, new studies could implement new tools and methods. Keeping costs down is a challenge. With a lot of support, researchers will be able to reach new heights. Advocacy is essential to raising the profile of the research. Getting buy in from the community is half the battle. Therefore, you do not have to be a scientist to help. There is lots of room for a passionate person to make an impact.

The bottom line

Encouraging medical research is the only way to solve medical problems. By including a diverse set of researchers, new ideas can take place. It is crucial to use a base of knowledge to solve problems. However, it is the unique perspective of this young researcher that allowed a scientific breakthrough. More studies are needed to replicate the results. With greater funding, these young researchers can thrive. As someone with breast cancer or with a loved one with cancer, supporting these researchers is vital. Fundraising is a great way to secure funding for these types of research programs. Be active in your community and it could make the difference for thousands of people.

References

"Expression of matrix macromolecules and functional properties of breast cancer cells are modulated by the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid." Expression of matrix macromolecules and functional properties of breast cancer cells are modulated by the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid - ScienceDirect. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 July 2017.

"Student in Nigeria develops a cure for breast cancer." Tribune. N.p., 04 July 2017. Web. 28 July 2017.

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). (2015, May 14). Revealing breast cancer using nanoscale polymers. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 28, 2017 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150514132817.htm