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Cancer stem cells in 'robbers cave' may explain poor prognosis for obese patients

Researchers discovered leukemia stem cells in fatty tissue of obese patients were more resistant to chemotherapy, using fatty acids as their energy source and actively signaling fat for lipolysis. This adaptation could help explain poorer outcomes in obese patients, potentially shedding light on new strategies to target cancer stem cells.

How gut inflammation sparks colon cancer

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that gut inflammation sparks colon cancer, with microRNA miR-34a playing a crucial role in controlling stem cell division. Elevated levels of miR-34a may serve as an early warning system for colon cancer, and its expression could be used to treat late-stage cancer.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 4, 2016

Discovery of an embryonic switch for cancer stem cell generation

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered a specific group of proteins decrease, triggering changes in the cancer microenvironment and accelerating growth of therapy-resistant CSCs. A targeted monoclonal antibody treatment effectively impaired CSC regeneration and made them easier to target with existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

Can stem cells cause and cure cancer?

A recent study by Fen Wang and Wallace McKeehan reveals that errors in FGF transmission can activate dormant stem cells, leading to cancer. The research supports the existing theory that cancer is a stem cell disease and holds promise for future cancer therapies.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 12, 2015

Stem cells lurking in tumors can resist treatment

Researchers have discovered that slow-growing brain cancer stem cells are resistant to treatment and can survive stress by producing a protein called Abcg1. The study suggests that using different drugs and higher dosages may be necessary to target these treatment-resistant stem cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 12, 2015

Study gives insight into breast cancer recurrence

Researchers have identified a key role for the FAK molecule in controlling breast cancer stem cell survival and predicting disease recurrence. Blocking FAK activity with a new drug significantly improved treatment outcomes, suggesting a potential method to predict which patients are most likely to experience recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 5, 2014

Scientists find important piece in the brain tumor puzzle

Researchers at McGill University have identified SUMO1 as a key player in the proliferation of glioblastoma tumour cells. The study reveals that sumoylation of CDK6 protein stabilizes it, enabling cancer stem cell growth and progression. This breakthrough could lead to targeted therapies for treating brain cancer.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 4, 2014

Herpes-loaded stem cells used to kill brain tumors

Researchers developed herpes-loaded stem cells that significantly improved survival rates in mice with glioblastoma multiforme when applied to tumors. The treatment used mesenchymal stem cells as drug delivery vehicles, allowing oncolytic viruses to replicate and kill residual cancer cells.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 16, 2014