Scientists in Los Angeles’ University of California have found the cell of origin for prostate cancer. A cell of origin is considered as the key to study any cancer. Until this research, it was assumed that luminal cells, found inside the tiny ducts of the prostate, gave rise to prostate cancer. But by growing human tissue in mice, the scientists found a new cell of origin for prostate cancer.

The new found cells which not only support the luminal cells but are also responsible for regenerating prostate tissue are known as basal cells. This new finding has lead cancer experts to believe advancement in cancer treatments. The team of researchers tested the human cells when they found, in their previous studies, that basal cells were responsible for tumor development in mice.

The mice were embedded with prostate’s luminal cells and prostate basal cells. Both sets of samples were genetically distorted to stimulate cancer. Though these human cells stayed alive in mice, the luminal cells failed to convert into tumors. However, the basal cells evolved into tumors and looked similar to the luminal cells.

Lung cancer is the most common cause of deaths due to cancer followed by prostate cancer in the United States of America. American Cancer Society assumes that more 217,730 cases of prostate cancer will come forward resulting in 32,050 deaths in 2010.

Until this finding, the cancer experts were limited to studying the implanted tumors in mice. But after noticing the transformation of healthy cells into tumors, researches are hopeful of finding ways to fight various cancers at earlier stages.

Source:

Journal Science