Apparently there is exists a particular protein that only appears in stem cells. Until now, researchers knew of proteins that appeared in both regular cancer cells and stem cells, but none that was unique to stem cells. Finding one that that is could provide a cure for cancer.
Focusing on adult cancer stem cells (adult stem cells work as essential building blocks in organs by replenishing dying cells and regenerating damaged tissues) because of the major role they play in the start, growth, spread and return of cancer, the University of Oklahoma team, led by by Courtney Houchen, M.D., and Shrikant Anant, Ph.D., has already begun work to target the protein with a new compound that, once developed, would kill the stem cells and kill the cancer. By targeting the stem cells, scientists and physicians also would be able to stop the cancer from returning.
Current therapies generally don't target stem cells in tumors. Thus, stem cells can wait until after chemotherapy or radiation treatments to begin dividing. Researchers believe these stem cells are often responsible for the return of cancer after treatment.
OU researchers, led in the next phase by Russell Postier, M.D expect to have initial testing completed to begin the first phase of clinical trials within 5 years . The compound, if successful in human trials, is expected to be available to the public within 10 years.
Adapted from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center announcement.
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