New Model for Understanding Cancer Development

 

The currently accepted medical model of cancer is based on the concept of genetic abnormalities. Specifically, this applies to genes that control cell proliferation.  The overall activity of a normal cell is under the direction of its cell cycle.  Certain genes code for proteins that control this cycle of activity.  If one of these genes is mutated, or abnormal, control of cellular activity can be compromised.  According to this model, the initial event in cancer development is genetic mutation.

Research from Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego suggests that a loss of communication among cells is the primary factor that allows cancer to establish itself.  Dr. Cedric Garland, who led this work, has proposed a new model to explain the life cycle of cancer.  This model, designated DINOMIT, offers a broad perspective on understanding cancer initiation and progression, which may help to bring about novel approaches to prevent and treat the disease.

Each letter in DINOMIT stands for a distinct phase of cancer development. “D” is for disjunction, which describes a loss of communication between cells; “I” is for initiation, where genetic mutation comes into play; “N” refers to natural selection of rapidly-dividing cancer cells; “O” stands for overgrowth of cells; “M” for metastasis, or spread of cancer cells to other tissues; “I” is involution, or a period of slowed cancer cell growth; “T” for transition, a state marked by cancer cell dormancy.

The role of Vitamin D

Proper cellular communication depends upon molecular connections between cells.  Such connections are collectively called cadherins, the first three letters representing Ca++, vitamin D. There has to be some method of keeping the cells in sync.  Cadherins are responsible for this process.  Optimal vitamin D and calcium enhance these connections allowing cells to stick together in a healthy way.  Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a diminishing, possibly even loss, of the connections.  Cells would then have the potential to act autonomously.  At this point, cells begin to behave more as individuals, rather than parts of a coordinated whole.

Therefore, ensuring appropriate vitamin D levels has the potential to arrest the first stage of cancer development by reestablishing normal communication between cells.