Cancer research: a hurdle race

Rethinking the Evolutionary Origin, Function, and Treatment of Cancer

Despite remarkable progress in basic oncology, practical results remain unsatisfactory. This discrepancy is partly due to the exclusive focus on processes within the cancer cell, which results in a lack of recognition of cancer as a systemic disease. It is evident that a wise balance is needed between two alternative methodological approaches: reductionism, which would break down complex phenomena into smaller units to be studied separately, and holism, which emphasizes the study of complex systems as integrated wholes. A consistent holistic approach has so far led to the notion of cancer as a special organ, stimulating debate about its function and evolutionary significance. This article discusses the role of cancer as a mechanism of purifying selection of the gene pool, the correlation between hereditary and sporadic cancer, the cancer interactome, and the role of metastasis in a lethal outcome. It is also proposed that neutralizing the cancer interactome may be a novel treatment strategy.

Effect of 2-Isobutyl-4,6-dimethyl-5-hydroxypyrimidine on the Growth of Lewis Lung Carcinoma and Survival of Mice

Experiments on male C57Bl/6 mice with transplantable Lewis lung epidermoid carcinoma were performed to evaluate the effect of early or delayed administration of compound SNK-411 (2-isobutyl-4,6-dimethyl-5-hydroxypyrimidine) on tumor growth and animal survival. Intraperitoneal injection of SNK-411 in doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg on days 2-8 of tumor growth was followed by significant inhibition of tumor growth (by 1.8 and 2.2 times, respectively, in comparison with the untreated control). Administration of this compound on days 8-15 of tumor development had little effect on tumor growth. SNK-411 in doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg (both dosing regimens) significantly increased survival rate and lifespan of animals with tumors. The drugs for verification of this model (Fluorofur, 400 mg/kg; and doxorubicin hydrochloride, 4 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally on days 2-4 and 8-10 of tumor development. Administration of Fluorofur and doxorubicin hydrochloride at the late stage was accompanied by significant inhibition of tumor growth (by 1.6 and 1.4 times, respectively). The increase in the survival rate of animals receiving the cytostatic according to standard dosing regimens was less significant than in experiments with SNK-411.