Study: Researchers Say Stem Cell Discovery May Treat Leukemia Patients


 
2.9k
Shares
 

VANCOUVER (ASRN.ORG) -- The B.C. Cancer Agency says a new finding about stem cells could lead to a breakthrough in treatment for leukemia patients.

Researchers at the agency say they've discovered that not all stem cells in mice are created equal and different cells behave in different ways, which could explain why some kinds of leukemia are harder to treat.

If the discovery holds true for humans, the agency says researchers may be able to use different subtypes of stem cells to produce more effective bone marrow transplants in leukemia patients.

The Cancer Agency says its next step will be to isolate different types of blood stem cells and study the genes and proteins that dictate their behaviour.

Stem cells are considered the basic building blocks of the body, able to develop into many different kinds of cells and organs.

In a separate announcement earlier this week, the Cancer Agency said its researchers had found a gene that might be able to suppress the growth of several kinds of cancer.


 
2.9k
Shares
 

Articles in this issue:

Masthead

  • Masthead

    Editor-in Chief:
    Kirsten Nicole

    Editorial Staff:
    Kirsten Nicole
    Stan Kenyon
    Robyn Bowman
    Kimberly McNabb
    Lisa Gordon
    Stephanie Robinson
     

    Contributors:
    Kirsten Nicole
    Stan Kenyon
    Liz Di Bernardo
    Cris Lobato
    Elisa Howard
    Susan Cramer

Leave a Comment

Please keep in mind that all comments are moderated. Please do not use a spam keyword or a domain as your name, or else it will be deleted. Let's have a personal and meaningful conversation instead. Thanks for your comments!

*This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.