Experimental drug kills breast cancer stem cells

[HuckleB]

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BD3AD20091214

"An experimental drug was effective at killing breast cancer stem cells -- a kind of master cancer cell that resists chemotherapy, U.S. researchers said on Friday.

Studies in animals and women with advanced breast cancer showed the experimental compound MK-0752, under development by Merck & Co Inc, was able to kill off cancer stem cells that linger in the breast after chemotherapy.

Researchers are still trying to understand the role cancer stem cells play in promoting different types of cancer, but many teams think they may explain why so many cancers come back even after treatment with powerful chemotherapy and radiation.

"These cells are different from the tumor. They are resistant to therapy. They regrow. They cause relapse and metastases," said Dr. Jenny Chang of Baylor College of Medicine, who presented her findings at the American Association for Cancer Research San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

..."


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Still a long way to go, but a positive step, nonetheless...

[Fridays Child]

1. This is great news!

k/r

[MineralMan]

2. That sounds promising. I hope it turns into a treatment that is

safe and with few side effects.