In the absence of DNA, hair molecules could hold the key to criminal cases thanks to a special protein fragment (peptide).
Now, research conducted by a California-based team has highlighted how a different peptide could be crucial in the fight against skin cancer. Dangerously advanced melanoma cause the body’s catestatin levels to drop.
In normal circumstances, catestatin promotes immune, cardiovascular, metabolic and neuroendocrine regulation. In tests with human cancer cells catestatin was found to limit metastasis.
It also reduced the tumour cells’ resistance to anti-cancer medication. Further studies are planned to develop tissue-conserving cancer therapies.
A special technique involving infrared light also promises success in skin cancer treatment; in the early stages, a suitable soap can help too.
