Stem cells - hope to treat cancer

Breakthroughs in stem cell research could help isolate and thoroughly destroy cancer cells, according to a recent study by the University of Oxford, UK.

Simulation of stem cells.

A team of scientists from Oxford University, UK, has developed a new way to isolate cancer stem cells. Researchers hope this new technology will pave the way for the development of more radical cancer treatment drugs.

Dr Trevor Yeung, of Oxford Medical School and team member, said: "Cancer stem cells play an important role in the development of tumors. If we can control the cells. This cell can completely destroy the tumor. '

With current technology, scientists are still struggling to study cancer stem cells because these cells are difficult to detect and separate from tumors. Previously, researchers often separated cancer stem cells from skin samples from cancer patients.

In this study, the scientists also used molecular markers - instead of using the biopsy samples as before - to detect cancer stem cells and study the cells. This cell is in the laboratory.

Dr Yeung said: "Treatment for radiation and chemotherapy works quickly with all cells. But these two methods have great limitations that cannot destroy cancer stem cells. So , stem cells can quickly develop into new tumors after the patient stops treatment. '

Many previous studies have suggested that cancer stem cells make up only a small part of the tumor, but scientists in this study do not think so. They believe that a large number of cells in the tumor are cancer stem cells.