A team of international researchers has recently discovered the mechanism by which cells protect themselves against becoming cancerous.

According to a study published in Genes and Development, cells switch a gene known as p53 on and off to block the development of tumors.

The p53 gene plays a vital role in tackling cancerous tissue; it hinders cell division while the repair process is carried out and promotes the programmed cell death in damaged tissue.

The gene is either damaged or inactive in more than half the tumoral tissue, permitting damaged cells to continue dividing.

The P53 gene also influences the tissues response to radiation, which causes DNA damage. The gene, therefore, determines the cellular response to treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy which act in part by triggering cell suicide in response to DNA damage.

Scientists are optimistic that their findings will revolutionize cancer treatment and diagnosis in the future.