Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Can Stem Cells Aid Brain Cancer Research?

By Robbie Sutter


Stem cells, in regards to science, is one of the most important that can be talked about. This seems to be the case for brain cancer research as well, especially when talking about the impact that cancer stem cells can have. Seeing as how they will be able to regenerate new cells on a perpetual basis, it's clear that more has to be done in the way of therapies. As it stands, a recent study came about that stands the chance of shedding light on this matter.

Science Daily posted an article about a study that was done with the focus being on stem cells. It was done through a group of people from the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute and Department of Neurosurgery and what was found were a group of immune system targets resting upon cancer stem cells. In response, an experimental vaccine was designed for the purpose of targeting them. This drug stands the chance of being great in this field, especially if the research that has been done proves itself as worthwhile.

With this study put into place, the researchers were able to pick up on a particular protein that they have given the name of CD133. The experiment was given during the study, tested on mice that would then elicit an immune response. One of the positive points to note, though, is that it would be done without causing any sort of damage to the cells not impacted by cancer or any of the vital organs. When it comes to surgical methods done in the past, minimizing damage has been 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.

Stem cells have been the area of focus for a number of conditions in the past. It has been believed that they can be utilized in research in order to do such things as grow back limbs which have been lost, though it seems as though progress is being made slowly in this regard. That being said, there is still more than enough information to be seen as far as brain cancer research is concerned. The impact that studying cancer stems cells can have stands a chance of being noteworthy.




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