"Abortion Pill" May Prevent Breast And Ovarian Cancer

[DealMonkey]

I predict this latest study is going to make it downright impossible for the loopy-extreme social conservative types to continue opposing RU-486 (and potentially by extension, the "Plan B" morning-after pill), but like a stupid dog with its jaws locked to the rear bumper of progress, watch 'em do it anyway.

Abortion Chemical May Prevent Breast And Ovarian Cancer

Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, which is used to abort pregnancy, could be used to halt the development of certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers, say researchers form the University of California at Irvine, USA.

Mifepristone blocks the action of progesterone during the first three months of pregnancy, effectively leading to the death of the embryo/foetus. Progesterone is also nourishment for some types of cancer, without which they cannot grow. At a lower dose, Mifepristone can also be an emergency contraceptive.

You can read about this latest study in the journal Science.

The researchers, after carrying out studies on mice, believe that RU-486 may be beneficial for women who have a genetic propensity to developing cancer. Over 50% of women who carry a faulty BRCA1 gene will have either breast or ovarian cancer by their 70th birthday.

In this study, the scientists examined mice which had been genetically engineered to lack the BRCA1 gene. They discovered that the mammary glands of these mice built up more progesterone receptors. Progesterone receptors are molecules that allow progesterone to become effective. The progesterone attaches itself to these receptors and encourages cells to grow abnormally. All the mice had tumours by the time they were eight months' old.

However, half the genetically engineered mice had been treated with mifepristone - and none of these mice went on to develop tumors.

The trouble is, say the scientists, that mifepristone has an effect on other receptors as well. Meaning, mifepristone has some unpleasant side effects. They plan further research which might eventually target just the progesterone blocking action. This could lead to treatment which would prevent breast and ovarian cancers among women who carry the faulty BRAC1 gene.

"Prevention of Brca1-Mediated Mammary Tumorigenesis in Mice by a Progesterone Antagonist"
Aleksandra Jovanovic Poole, Ying Li, Yoon Kim, Suh-Chin J. Lin, Wen-Hwa Lee, Eva Y.-H. P. Lee
Science 1 December 2006 Vol. 314. no. 5804, pp. 1467 - 1470
DOI: 10.1126/science.1130471

Abstract

Article link

 

[CaptnKirk]

I'm sure the GOP will find a way to keep it as a controlled or banned product.
You know that they dare not allow anything out that would interfere with their financial doners rights to reap
huge profits from selling 'treatment' instead of providing medical products that actually 'cure or prevent'
when managment through dependency is the road to riches . . can't provoke the sacred 'Cash-Cow'.

 

[blackangst1]

Originally posted by: CaptnKirk
I'm sure the GOP will find a way to keep it as a controlled or banned product.
You know that they dare not allow anything out that would interfere with their financial doners rights to reap
huge profits from selling 'treatment' instead of providing medical products that actually 'cure or prevent'
when managment through dependency is the road to riches . . can't provoke the sacred 'Cash-Cow'.

What?

 

[Schadenfroh]

Hmm, women would have to take this regularly, I presume, to prevent cancer, what are its long term effects?

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey
I predict this latest study is going to make it downright impossible for the loopy-extreme social conservative types to continue opposing RU-486 (and potentially by extension, the "Plan B" morning-after pill), but like a stupid dog with its jaws locked to the rear bumper of progress, watch 'em do it anyway.

Nah. These types certainly don't let facts get in the way of their hard-held beliefs.

 

[slash196]

This is great news for breast cancer sufferers...also wasn't it not too long ago that a birth-control method was linked to breast cancer?

 

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Hmm, women would have to take this regularly, I presume, to prevent cancer, what are its long term effects?

The short-term side effects for the ex-pregnant woman include death. Perhaps this explains the paucity of long-term data. Of course, this has only been shown in the European Homo Sapien animal model thus far, not in mice.

 

[miketheidiot]

Originally posted by: CycloWizard

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
Hmm, women would have to take this regularly, I presume, to prevent cancer, what are its long term effects?

The short-term side effects for the ex-pregnant woman include death. Perhaps this explains the paucity of long-term data. Of course, this has only been shown in the European Homo Sapien animal model thus far, not in mice.

link?

 

[judasmachine]

It wouldn't matter if it cured aging, death, and taxes, as the religiowhacks would still oppose it.

 

[Enig101]

Originally posted by: judasmachine
It wouldn't matter if it cured aging, death, and taxes, as the religiowhacks would still oppose it.

They're just trying to protect us from sin.

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: Enig101

Originally posted by: judasmachine
It wouldn't matter if it cured aging, death, and taxes, as the religiowhacks would still oppose it.

They're just trying to protect us from sin.

I thought Jesus died for our sins. If we're not allowed to sin, whats the f'in point?

 

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: miketheidiot
link?

Take your pick. It looks like I mispoke before. It has also been tested in the California variety of Homo Sapiens, though the results are similar.

 

[DealMonkey]

Originally posted by: CycloWizard

Originally posted by: miketheidiot
link?

Take your pick. It looks like I mispoke before. It has also been tested in the California variety of Homo Sapiens, though the results are similar.

Yes, but how do the risks of RU-486 stack up against other medications? Seems like all of the religions are equally engaging in fear-mongering.

 

[CycloWizard]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey
Yes, but how do the risks of RU-486 stack up against other medications? Seems like all of the religions are equally engaging in fear-mongering.

You're the only one bringing religion into this, as you are wont to do. I do not use religious arguments. I simply presented you with your choice of facts.