From the discovery, the onset of metastasis can be identified. Several tumors tend to spread at a faster rate than others. This scientific discovery from the Salk Institute has managed to establish the reasons behind the rate of spread. Despite the new body of knowledge in the management of lung cancer, it is interesting to mention that cervical cancer and melanoma can be treated using scientific knowledge on molecular cells (Jolla par. 1).
The ability of lung cancer to metastasize is quite fast. c any positive impact on the health of a patient. The cancerous cells can affect the entire human body within a very short time.
It is expected that this new study on lung cancer will expound or give a clearer picture of why certain subsets are more intrusive than others. Once the latter has been established, scientists will be in a position to devise more effective treatment and management methods for lung cancer. At this point, it is crucial to mention that the discovery by the Salk institute is just a beginning of a long scientific journey that is anticipated to culminate in a comprehensive and conclusive study on lung cancer (Paddock par.7).
Lung cancer does not only affect smokers. Individuals who do not smoke are also vulnerable to this chronic infection (Jolla par. 5). Therefore, a breakthrough in this Scientific study is expected to benefit a large segment of the global population. In any case, the most invasive form of cancer is the one that affects the lung bearing in mind that it records the highest number of deaths every year. In addition, medical expenditure on lung cancer has remained extremely high over the years (“New gene discovered par. 3).
For instance, over 12 billion dollars is spent by the federal government in the United States to manage healthcare cases emanating from lung cancer. Despite this huge budget secured for lung cancer, the survival rate is quite dismal. After being diagnosed with the infection, most lung cancer patients pass away within the first five years. The cellular machinery is overridden by cancer cells. Worse still, the molecular anchors attached to the cell membranes can either be turned on or off by the cancerous cells. As a result, the harmful cells can easily move through the patient’s body with a lot of ease.
The epitome of the discovery is a tiny gene referred to as the DIXDC1.
Both the LKB1 and DIXDC1 genes work as a unit. In other words, the ‘stay put’ signal is made possible by the communication between the above genes (Paddock par.4). Although the DIXDC1 is very powerful in controlling the metastasis process, it cannot guarantee treatment for lung cancer. The Salk Institute has just set the right stage to progress the study. It is upon other like-minded scientists to support this discovery so that lung cancer can finally find its cure.
It is only expected that the new scientific discovery will generate desired results. Similar research pathways have been documented in the past without any visible end. For example, we are yet to evaluate whether the cancer research study commissioned in the UK and Austria bore any fruits. In February 2014, a team of scientists from the United Kingdom and Austria came up with a research finding that could halt the spread of most forms of cancer. The study aimed at using the immune system of a patient to fight off cancerous cells. There are scores of such findings that have been carried out in the past without any practical results.
The trial phase for this discovery is not yet over. After the process has been completed, it will be up to the scientists to move to the next level of making the treatment option more robust. It would also be interesting to see whether scientists will seek treatment alternatives for other forms of cancer such as prostate, cervical, and skin cancers.
Perhaps, patients will require to be furnished with information on the stage of lung cancer that can be easily treated. Needless to say, the efficacy of the discovery will also rely on the stage of cancer development in patients. Second, the researchers will also be expected to highlight the risks and benefits of the available treatment options. At this stage of development, it is too early to establish certain latent facts about the study.
On a final note, the cost of treating lung cancer will be on the higher side. Even if the discovery becomes functional in the long run, will patients from low-income households meet treatment costs? The national wage bill in healthcare is already overstrained. Most patients depend on healthcare insurance coverage to meet medical expenses. To some extent, it will be the responsibility of governments to make the cost affordable to citizens.
Works Cited
Jolla, La. New gene discovered that stops the spread of deadly cancer. 2014. Web.
New gene discovered. 2014. Web.
Paddock, Catharine. Scientists discover gene that stops spread of deadly lung cancer. 2014. Web.