For the first time, stem cell researchers at the University of Minnesota have found a way to create cancer-killing cells from human embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough paves the way for future treatments for various types of cancer.
"This is the first published research to show the ability to make cells from human embryonic stem cells that are able to treat and fight cancer, especially leukemias and lymphomas," said Dan Kaufman, MD, PhD, lead author of the study and University of Minnesota Physicians specialist.
"We hear a lot about the potential of stem cells to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. This research suggests it is possible that we could use human embryonic stem cells as a source for immune cells that could better target and destroy cancer cells and potentially treat infections," Kaufman added. Next, Dr. Kaufman and his team will test whether the human embryonic stem cell-derived cancer killers can target cancer cells in animal models.
The research will be published in the October 15 issue of the Journal of Immunology.
Read the complete story on the University's Academic Health Center website.
