Cancer in North Cyprus: 2. Biomedical Research Activities

This is the second part of a two-part review on the cancer status of North Cyprus. Here, we give an overview of the various areas of research on cancer. There are four main areas of ongoing biomedical investigation. First, monitoring of possible carcinogenic chemical factors in the environment (soil and water) is focused on arsenic. Arsenic has been found to exist broadly over the island at levels above the minimum level advised by the Environmental Protection Agency. At present, the source(s) of environmental arsenic is unclear. Second, pathophysiological mechanisms of breast and prostate cancer are being investigated with a focus on ion channels (particularly, the voltage-gated sodium channel) driving the metastatic process. In particular, the triangular relationship involving the channel, its persistent current component, and tumor hypoxia is being elucidated. Third, a further emerging theme is the association of microbiota with cancer. The possible roles of bacterial infections or microbiota in preventing, treating, or causing several types of cancers are among these projects. Fourth, a range of developments in nanotechnology is being considered. It is concluded that the island offers significant opportunities for internationally competitive, multi-faceted research on cancer.