Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have identified the cancer stem cells that propagate tumors in colon and rectal cancer, a discovery that could lead to improved treatment of this deadly cancer.

These are the latest class of cancer stem cells tracked down by a large, interdisciplinary group of researchers led by Michael Clarke, MD. The discovery is reported in the June 4 advance online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Identifying new cancer stem cells has been a major push within Stanford’s Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, where Clarke serves as associate director. Irving Weissman, MD, director of the institute, said he hopes Stanford researchers will develop cancer therapies that specifically kill these cancer stem cells, eradicating the cancer entirely. Current therapies may kill the bulk of the tumor cells, but if any cancer stem cells remain the tumor will resurface or spread.

Link


  • Scientists identified molecular mechanism involved in the development of cancer cells
  • Stem Cell Research Provides Help for Children With High-Risk Brain Tumors
  • Researchers have Indentified Pediatric Cancer Stem Cell
  • Stem Cell Marker Responsible for Cancer Growth in Tumours Identified
  • Invention of cancer stem cell marker will stop cancer from returning
  • Researchers identified blood vessels as potential stem cell source
  • Stem Cell Therapy To Treat Cancer Gets Boost From Noninvasive Molecular Imaging Technology
  • Scientists Find the Role of Stem Cell Genes in Testicular and Breast Cancer
  • Stem-Cells Can Regulates the Mechanism of the Production of New Cells
  • Researchers Trying To Use Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Nanoparticles To Treat Cancer Better