Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created genetically modified stem cells that fight brain tumors. These cancer fighting cells emit a deadly toxin that destroys any cells in their way. What makes these new cells unique is that they are engineered to target a certain type of cancer cell, and destroy it. This breakthrough will give many a potential cure for what would otherwise be inoperable cancers.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created a type of stem cell that can kill brain tumors. (Image from Wikipedia)
The delivery of these powerful stem cells still requires more than just a magical shot to get them where they need to be. The stem cells are delivered by neurosurgeons in a thick gel that helps them remain in the desired area of the brain. From there, the modified cells are engineered to attach to certain types of cells, rather than just attack healthy parts of the brain. Those small stem cells then enter their way inside of the tumor cells and begin emitting a deadly toxin to kill the infected tumor.
The chemical produced by the cells is known as a Cytotoxin. Normally this type of toxin would be a danger to the entire body, but with the type of engineering achieved at Harvard Medical School, these deadly cells become highly specialized weapons.
Current trials have been conducted in cancer infected mice who suffer from Glioblastoma. The scientists then deliver the stem cells in the same way that they plan to do in humans, and within days they start to kill the cancer cells in the mice. There may be some sort of side effects that have yet to be determined, but the patients who would be receiving these potentially life threatening treatments would be facing certain death otherwise. It will still be years before this type of treatment is approved to go to trial in humans, but in that time the science behind the treatments will only improve.
Harvard Medical School Creates Stem Cells That Kill Brain Tumors.
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