The Meeting Place > Hot Topics > Stem cell treatment for brain cancer latest news

Stem cell treatment for brain cancer latest news

avatar
9 yrs ago

Latest news fromthe BBC web site re stem cell treatment for brain cancer.  I think this is wonderful news if proven correct.

'Scientists from Harvard Medical School have discovered a way of turning stem cells into killing machines to fight brain cancer.

In experiments on mice, the stem cells were genetically engineered to produce and secrete toxins which kill brain tumours, without killing normal cells or themselves.

Researchers said the next stage was to test the procedure in humans.

A stem cell expert said this was "the future" of cancer treatment.'

6 comments

Good one Radi

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-29756238

avatar
Abby
9 yrs ago

The modern genetic engineering is amazing .... fancy being able to genetically modify stem cells that spew out cancer-killing toxins without damaging other cells.

Thanks for the link Pete

Yes it's also amazing what we can do with crops to avoid spraying with chemicals .

avatar
Abby
9 yrs ago

Personally I prefer a few pieces of vegetables that may be bug bitten than sprayed with chemicals or that are genetically modified.

Seems to me that a lot of the cancers are caused by human intervention into something or other.

Shame you didn't get more replies on such an interesting topic Radish. Stem cells are the big thing in medical research for sure. A lot of work is being carried out in that direction and with regard to blinding diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma it is hoped that  by taking a patient’s own stem cells and transferring them into the back of the eye could slow the degeneration of the remaining cells in the optic nerve, in order to preserve remaining sight.  Thus reversing damage and restoring sight. A lot of this amazing research is also being carried out at the Lions Eye Institute right here in Perth.

More hopeful news -

"Canberra researchers are preparing to trial an old drug on a new problem, saying it could kick the legs out from under cancer and expand treatment options.

The non-toxic drug dichloroacetate (DCA) is cheaper than rival drugs, has few side effects and has been credited with depriving cancer cells of their drive to grow."

That is an extract. To read the full article click here.

avatar
Abby
9 yrs ago

Thanks for the link Gerry

Would be good if it was a replacment for current chemotherapy which is so draining on an individual.

Thanks folks, amazing news. not so long ago they found what a treasure "Babies Umbilical Cord" was to harvest - real recycling at it's best.  

I agree Phyl. Nice to see people putting forward such good information.

Micha thank you for your comments.  I am always very interested in the latest research and I truly believe that we are getting closer and closer to finding a cure for some of the insiduous diseases.

I get very distressed when I see the horrible cancers young children get;  especially brain cancer.  It is one cancer very hard to cure.

6 comments



To make a comment, please register or login

Preview your comment