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A research team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh has succeeded to define 11 genes, identified as an overactive group related to many types of cancer and to increasing cancer cells and tumors, and it also gives an indication about the severity and morbidity of breast cancer for those who are suffering from this particular type. The research was grounded on detailed in-depth mathematical and laboratory study involving thousands of genes from 10 types of cancer. The research was published in American Association for Cancer Research’s Journal of Cancer Research.

H.E. Chief Executive Officer of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. Qasim Al Qasabi said that the scientific discovery is the outcome of the KFSHRC’S strategic programs, through schemes of applied researches intended to render the laboratory experiments into medical practice.

On the other hand, Dr. Khalid Abu Khabar, Senior Principal Scientist and Deputy Executive Director of the Research Centre, mentioned that the research discovered innovative diagnostic method, able to predict the severity, seriousness and morbidity of cancer in breast cancer patients by using these eleventh genes and their regulatory.  Dr. Abu Khabar also said that the discovery went through many stages staring with the survey of 20 databases containing hundred thousand of patients suffering from 10 types of cancer, then the research focused on three thousand genes with mRNA and elements allowing the control of produced protein through protein factors related thereto. Then Dr. Abu Khabar said that the research concluded after mathematical and computerized procedures to determine 11 genes of this group, which becomes overactive with cancer and has a direct link to cell division functions. 

Dr. Abu Khabar stated that the reason for this over-activity in cancer tumors is due to defect in two of proteins related to the elements of mRNA, which are  Tristetraprolin & HuR, thereby discovered that Tristetraprolin is small and inactive, resulting to this over-activity, which eventually stimulates the cancer cells expansion and reproduction.

Dr. Abu Khabar added that the study found the majority of cancer tissues are suffering shortage of Tristetraprolin, especially in breast cancer, causing the cancer cells expansion and reproduction. The study confirmed after many laboratory experiments the mechanism of controlling the eleventh genes protein along with organizing the cell division in normal cases.

Finally, Dr. Abu Khabar mentioned that the KFSH&RC has submitted an application to register the scientific discovery as patent in European Union and United States of America.