Gene Identified That May Fight Colon Cancer

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Dr. Durado Brooks, director of prostate and colorectal cancers at the American Cancer Society, cautioned that modern medicine is still years away from using gene therapy to treat cancers.

"The idea of modifying genes that we know are related to the development of cancer hold promise, but right now, I am not aware of any clinical human application," he said.

This study is an interesting first step, Brooks said, "but we are years away from any clinical application in humans."

Brooks said he was also concerned that not enough is known about the potential downside of gene treatments. "There is always a question when you tinker with nature what you are going to end up with at the far side," he said.

More information

For more information on colon cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.