Stem Cells and Cancer

Cancer research has continued to shed new light on the development of cancer. It is now known that many cancers possess undifferentiated cells with characteristics similar to those of normal stem cells. These properties include their capacity for self-renewal as well as their ability to divide and differentiate into other cancer cells. These findings could significantly change the way cancer is investigated and ultimately treated.

For more information, you can read my article on cancer stem cells. I have also included a link to an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, related to their discovery. I am sure that this area will continue to develop in the foreseeable future. This will be followed shortly by another article on the implications that the discovery of these cells will have on cancer research and therapy. This should be available early next week.

My next poll will be published on the 13th January. It will be on the topical issue of stem cell research. Don’t forget to check it out on the cancer homepage. Also, for those who have not already done so; please remember to participate in the existing poll.

As always, I encourage you to start a discussion on any of the articles that have been published on the cancer site or participate in those that are ongoing. You are also free to start a new discussion on any topic of interest to you. Simply go to the discussion page, scroll down and click on the “Start a New Discussion” link.

Alternatively, you may email any questions or comments that you may have. They are always welcomed.

Read more about the many causes of cancer.

Read other articles on the latest cancer research.

--