Ecuadorian Village of Dwarfs May Hold Clues to Cancer Cure

(Fox News Latino) - A group of dwarfs in Ecuador -- who live in a remote village on the slopes of the Andes Mountains -- could hold the clues to curing cancer.

Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles closely monitored around 100 members of the group and found almost no cases of cancer or diabetes, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

The group, who live in the Loja province of southern Ecuador, had mutated genes that lowered their growth hormone activity and stunted growth, according to scientists.

The study suggested that blocking growth hormone activity in full grown adults through prescription drugs or a special diet could unlock the mystery of cancer.

If the process worked and only had minor side effects, societies in the future could live without major illnesses, said cell biologist Valter Longo, who led the USC research team. "It's the dream of every administration, anywhere in the world," Longo said. "You live a long healthy life, and then you drop dead."

The group was monitored for about 23 years. Many had Laron syndrome -- a disorder characterized by insensitivity to growth hormone -- and were no bigger than 3.5 feet tall.

During that time, there were no documented cases of diabetes and only one non-lethal case of cancer, according to the study. However, the group's lifespan was no higher than normal, researchers said.

While it was still unclear whether the mutated gene, IGF-1, was the reason they were almost cancer and diabetes-free, similar observations were made in genetic work done in yeast, worms and mice with a similar type of mutated gene.

Longo and his team were trying to seek approval for a clinical trial with people undergoing chemotherapy which would administer drugs that block growth hormone. A similar-type drug to treat gigantism was already approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

But diet restrictions may also have the same effect, Longo said. Studies were underway to determine whether fasting altered growth factors that could have the same effect as the Laron mutation.

Source: Fox News Latino