Saturday, March 1, 2014

Can Stem Cells Aid Brain Cancer Research?

By Robbie Sutter


The idea of stem cells is quite interesting, seeing as how these particular cells have the ability to generate new cells when active. This is an especially important point in the field of brain cancer research, as it seems like the same can be said for cancer stem cells. On the surface, this idea is practically ideal for there to be new therapies conducted down the road. Fortunately, this appears to be the case, if a recent study on the matter is anything to go by.

According to an article on Science Daily, it appears as though a new study has been done with the idea of stem cells in mind. A team of people at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute and Department of Neurosurgery found immune system targets on cancer stem cells and worked in order to target them. Specifically, an experimental vaccine was created in order to target them. Just as with any drug that is seen in this level of research, there is much more to learn about the circumstances surrounding it.

The research brought a protein by the name of CD133 to the surface, which is a point to focus on for later. Either way, the experiment was done with lab mice for the sake of witnessing an immune response in relation to the vaccine. The results were positive, as they showed no damage done to both the healthy cells in the body as well as the vital organs. When it comes to surgical methods and things of that nature, keeping damage to a minimum should be paramount.

Those who have invested ample time in brain cancer research can tell you that there is a tremendous amount of importance that comes with the CD133 protein. Seeing as how this particular protein has been linked to the resistance of cancer stem cells to treatment options, it is perhaps the ideal target for immunotherapy. While it's unknown if this procedure can prevent tumors from returning once they are removed, efforts are being made to find out more information. Organizations like Voices against Brain Cancer should make note of this.

It's apparent that stem cells have been a part of medicine in the past and they've been given such great focus as a result. It's clear that these cells have had a number of claims associated with them, such as the thought of humans re-growing body parts that have been lost. Regardless, these cells have been given a tremendous amount of focus and the same can now be said about brain cancer research. With such a broad field to focus on, it may not be long until greater results in this field are seen.




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