Stem cells that grow in the breast could be responsible for making tumors grow and recur.

New research is uncovering the role of mammary stem cells - primitive cells that are capable of turning into a range of more specialized cells. It looks as if these stem cells may be able to take on the ability to let tumors spread or evade anti-cancer drugs.

Researchers at the University of Michigan report on experiments where breast cancer tissue has been grown from both human and mouse mammary stem cells. These cells have been transplanted into the chests of specifically bred laboratory mice.

Meanwhile, other research from Baylor University Medical School and elsewhere, concentrates upon the differences between normal cells and cancer stem cells. This should be able to reveal what makes stem cells turn malignant and may lead to new therapies that target these cells - destroying them before they cause any more damage.

Source

International Association for Breast Cancer Research Meeting 31st October 2003