Tuesday, February 4, 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.

From what I have seen, brain cancer research should give more of a focus to the CD133 protein. One of the reasons for this is because of its linkage to cancer stem cells and their levels of resistance, the protein in question can prove to be especially potent for immunotherapy purposes. Keep in mind, though, that it was not made clear as to whether or not this procedure can stop tumors from coming back. Even still, it's a procedure that organizations such as Voices against Brain Cancer should focus on.

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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