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Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer

How do scientists tell the difference between pancreatic cancer stem cells and other cells in the tumor?

There are many types of cells in a tumor, but cancer stem cells have specific properties that help us identify them. Only cancer stem cells can divide to make exact copies of themselves, and also make progenitor cells that go on to form all the cell types in the patient's tumor. We look for specific signaling pathways and cell surface markers found in cancer stem cells. The ultimate test is to inject human cells into a mouse whose immune system has been suppressed. If the mouse develops a tumor that matches the patient's tumor, then this supports these cells as representing cancer stem cells.

 

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This information is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 The Regents of the University of Michigan

Learn more:
Stem cell research at the University of Michigan
Stem Cells - Explained and Explored

Other stem cell resources:
National Institutes of Health Web site on stem cells

International Society for Stem Cell Research

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
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This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center