Binghamton University Professor Fights Cancer with Hedgehogs
Tuesday, October 6, 2015 - 11:50
in Health & Medicine
A Binghamton University biochemist has discovered a new way to fight cancer, one that attacks only the cancer cells and promises fewer side effects. He hunts hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are proteins that help govern how cells develop. Normally, once a person reaches maturation, the hedgehogs turn off. But in some cancers -- prostate, pancreatic, ovarian and lung in particular -- the hedgehogs somehow turn back on, and force uncontrolled cell growth: cancer.