Melanoma and Stem Cell Research

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As 2008 gets off to a good start in the field of non-embryonic stem cell research, scientists are now fairly certain that every type of cancer contains a certain number of very dangerous cancer stem cells. They believe that this type of cancer stem cell can endlessly multiply and not only start a cancer growth, but also can determine how fast it grows. Knowledge of this fact has pinpointed the necessity for researchers to target such cancer stem cells in order to produce productive therapy solutions.
Melanoma is one of the most deadly forms of skin cancer, and may take decades to develop. The growing use of sunscreen, and warnings about using common sense when sunbathing may help to reduce future development of both malignant and nonmalignant skin cancers.

Recent announcements from researchers at Children's Hospital Boston and Brigham Women's Hospital believe they have found a process through which these dangerous cancer stem cells may be targeted for destruction, thereby putting the brakes on one of the most common and deadly as forms of cancer, called melanoma.

Findings were reported in a feature article of the January 17, 2008 issue of Nature. The National Cancer Institute released numbers that show that melanoma cases in the United States alone has nearly doubled in the past three decades. By studying and creating a method to outsmart these very specific stem cells, doctors and researchers are hoping to make great strides in the coming year in the treatment not only of melanoma, but all forms of cancer.

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