Although many studies have been conducted to learn more about the function of stem cell proteins, for the first time, researchers have not only identified a particular cancer protein that only appears in stem cells, but they have also discovered how it works to turn off a natural tumor suppressor and turn on a gene that causes intestinal and colon cancers. According to the researchers, University of Oklahoma Cancer Institute cancer biologists Courtney Houchen, M.D., and Shrikant Anant, Ph.D., their findings support their hypothesis that stem cells are the origin of cancers. They also believe that their discovery will lead to a future cure for some cancers.
Dr. Anant explains that such current treatments as chemotherapy and radiation target quickly dividing cells and not cancer stem cells, which, he says, divide slowly and can lie dormant. “The hope is that by targeting the new protein – which is found in cancer – new therapies can be developed that would fight cancer stem cells,” he says. And adds Dr. Houchen: “I am confident if you develop a drug through this protein or through two other markers we have found, you’re going to treat a lot of cancers.”
The scientists expect to have initial testing completed to begin the first phase of clinical trials within 5 years. If the human trials are successful, they believe therapies or medications that can destroy or reduce the cancer protein and stop the disease from spreading or reoccurring will be available to the public within 10 years.
“There’s a big rush now to identify these stem cells,” Dr. Anant says. And in fact, researchers from several other universities, including Stanford, Michigan and Harvard, also are studying the connection between stem cell proteins and cancer growth.
News Release: Oklahoma researchers discuss cancer finding: www.mercurynews.com May 21, 2009
Stem Cell Research Blog: Stem cell proteins that trigger cancer tumors identified by OU scientists: www.stemcell.taragana.net May 22, 2009
