The real culprit in cancer may not be its hallmark fast-dividing cells, but the stem cells that give rise to those cells.
If indeed there are mutant stem cells at the root of cancers, this may explain why so many cancers return. Classic cancer treatments — such as radiation and chemo — could be leaving the faulty stem cells untouched after killing the initial tumor.
The McGowan Institute's Albert D. Donnenberg, PhD, and Vera Donnenberg, PhD, are looking into this theory. They're on a quest to find and, one day, alter or kill dormant cancer stem cells.
Learn more about stem cell treatments for cancer.
