Cancer support cells may evolve

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Dec 16, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scientists demonstrated that cancers may cause surrounding supportive cells to evolve and promote cancer growth.

The research offers what is believed to be the first evidence that mutations within cancer cells can signal surrounding tissue cells to alter their molecular composition in ways that promote tumor growth and proliferation. The findings also suggest that cell mutations that promote cancer progression may arise in cells other than the predominant cancer cell, according to study author Dr. Terry Van Dyke.

While not offering immediate application to the treatment of human cancers, the research indicates that new anti-tumor therapies may be more effective if their targets are broadened to include molecules within supporting cells of the cancer.

The findings are published as the journal Cell.

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