Cancer stem cells root of brain tumours

London, Dec 24 (UNI) Stem cells considered a source of biological rejuvenation might be responsible for the growth and spread of cancer, experts have warned.

Scientists have located cancer stem cells among the wildly dividing cells of a tumour and are studying these cells with hopes of combating malignant cancers in the brain.

''Some patients' brain tumours respond to chemotherapy and some don't,'' lead researcher John A Boockvar said, adding, ''We believe cancer stem cells may be the cause.'' These cancer stem cells were being captured and classified to determine how they reacted to certain available drug therapies.

Mr Boockvar said it would lead to more accurate and specific cancer diagnosis, allowing tailored drug treatments.

Cataloging brain tumor stem cells would be an enormous tool for patient diagnosis and would result in knowing how brain tumors form, besides testing and developing new drugs.

Determining a patient's cancer stem cell profile would take a lot of the guessing out of choosing a course of treatment, Science Journal quoted him as saying.

It would further save money, medical resources and precious time for the patient.

UNI