Grand Rapids scientists discover breakthrough in cancer treatment [Video]

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — Scientists at Van Andel Institute have made a breakthrough discovery in cancer treatment —specifically colorectal cancer. 

In March, research found pairing two separate medications for treating cancer combats cancer cells better than either on its own. The drugs are DNMT and EZH2 inhibitors. 

“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” said Scott Rothbart, a professor in the department of epigenetics at Van Andel Institute. “This is really big for my lab. This is a major breakthrough.”

Rothbart said the drugs work together to essentially trick the cancer cells into thinking it has a virus. 

“We call this a viral mimicry effect,” said Rothbart. “It tricks the immune system into recognizing that cancer cell is foreign and trying to get rid of it.”

“What this means for a cancer cell is, say, a gene that normally would suppress cancer growth is turned off in …