Pitt study finds mechanism for increased activity of oncogene in head and neck cancers

The increased activation of a key oncogene in head and neck cancers could be the result of mutation and dysfunction of regulatory proteins that are supposed to keep the gene, which has the potential to cause cancer, in check, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The findings suggest a new target for drugs to treat head and neck tumors, as well as other cancers. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Wai Yan Lui V, et al. Frequent mutation of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases provides a mechanism for STAT3 hyperactivation in head and neck cancer. PNAS 2014 ; published ahead of print January 6, 2014.