Evidence of the existence of cancer stem cells

Three different studies show the existence of cancer stem cells, ending the debate over the past decade about how tumors develop, according to AFP.

Stem cells can develop into any cell in the body - (Photo: AFP)

Published in two Nature and Science journals, all three studies of cancer stem cells were conducted in experimental mice. Stem cells are the original cells, which develop into specific tissues of the body, and are an additional source of damaged tissue.

A study was conducted at Utretch University Medical Center (Netherlands), focusing on bowel cancer. In this case, healthy stem cells are altered and produce cells that initiate tumors. The tumor contains stem cells, thereby creating new cancer cells.

Because cancer stem cells are similar to normal stem cells, most treatments are also harmful to normal stem cells. Therefore, scientists compared cancer stem cells and normal stem cells to find the difference between them.

Meanwhile, another US study focused on brain tumors. The team said they found a subset of cells that are the new source of tumor growth after chemotherapy.

The study provides important evidence for the existence of cancer stem cells, according to researcher Luis Parada, University of Southwest Texas Medical Center (USA).

Another group of scientists in Belgium and England found a subset of tumor cells that have properties similar to stem cells in skin cancer.

New technology allows scientists to study the development of cancerous tumors in their natural state. Recognizing the existence of cancer stem cells will help reevaluate current treatments and develop new treatments, according to Parada researcher.