Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Therapy may block expansion of breast cancer cells

A new study reveals that therapy targeting cyclin D1 can block the expansion of breast cancer cells, which are involved in therapy resistance and tumor recurrence. The findings provide a potential new treatment approach for targeted therapies at cancer stem cells in humans.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical and Translational Science·DateNov 5, 2008

Getting to the roots of breast cancer

A study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that conventional chemotherapy often fails to eliminate breast cancer stem cells, leading to potential relapse. Treatment with lapatinib and other drugs appears to kill both tumor cells and stem cells, reducing the risk of recurrence in patients with HER2-positive tumors.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 29, 2008

Precancerous stem cells can form tumor blood vessels

A new study shows that tumor blood vessels develop from precancerous stem cells, a type of cell that can become malignant. The findings suggest that screening anti-angiogenic drugs should include these cells to improve their effectiveness in blocking tumor growth.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 19, 2008

Discovery of good -- and bad -- liver stem cells raises possibility of new treatment

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered both normal and abnormal liver stem cells, which may provide a new target for experimental treatment. The study found that blocking the stat3 gene was effective in preventing liver cancer in mice, opening up new possibilities for treating this devastating disease.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2008

Forever young: Differentiation blocked in tumor stem cells

Researchers found that cancer stem cells are stuck at an early developmental stage due to epigenetic repression of BMPR1B, leading to aberrant cell division and tumor growth. Forced expression of silenced BMPR1B restored normal differentiation capacity, offering new therapeutic approaches for glioma patients.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 7, 2008

MicroRNA regulates cancer stem cells

Researchers discovered a genetic switch that regulates critical properties of cancer stem cells using microRNAs. Activating this switch, let-7, can push cancer stem cells to differentiate and lose their tumorigenic abilities, offering a novel approach to targeting these cells with therapeutic RNAs.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 13, 2007

Elsevier launches new journal: Stem Cell Research

The new journal Stem Cell Research will cover all aspects of stem cell research, including embryonic stem cells, cancer stem cells, and developmental studies. It aims to disseminate the results of ongoing research in this rapidly expanding field, with a focus on high-quality peer-reviewed studies.

SourceElsevier·JournalStem Cell Research·DateSep 6, 2007

Cancer stem cells can go it alone

A breast cancer cell line has been found to behave like cancer stem cells, allowing researchers to study the dynamics of cancer stem cells in tissue. This breakthrough could lead to targeted treatments for breast cancer by specifically targeting cancer stem cells for destruction while leaving normal stem cells intact.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2007

Stanford researchers find stem cells in colorectal tumors

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified cancer stem cells in colorectal tumors, which can propagate and maintain the growth of the tumor. These stem cells have been found to be responsible for the spread of cancer to distant sites and are likely to be responsible when tumors resurface or spread.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2007

New cell type identified in cancer development

Scientists have discovered a new type of cell that plays a role in cancer development, which can either remain benign or become malignant depending on environmental cues. The finding may help define the role of cancer stem cells in tumor growth and recurrence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 13, 2007

Master switches found for adult blood stem cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a core set of 33 microRNAs that regulate adult blood-forming stem cells. These 'master switches' can be targeted to control when stem cells grow into new blood cells, offering potential for new treatments for cancer and bone marrow disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2007

Breast stem cells have features similar to 'basal' tumors

Researchers discovered that breast stem cells lack receptors for female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, resembling the aggressive 'basal' subtype of breast cancer. The findings support speculation that breast stem cells may give rise to basal tumours, which are more common in BRCA1 carriers.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 19, 2006