Using Stem Cells to Kill Cancer

In a development that may lead to future treatments for various types of cancer, researchers have coaxed human embryonic stem cells to create cancer-killing cells in the laboratory.

Investigators at the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis/St.Paul, MN, USA) used human embryonic stem cells to generate "natural killer” cells, which are normally found in the bloodstream and help to defend the body against infection. The results also provided the researchers with a model of how the immune system develops.

"This is the first published research to show the ability to make cells from human embryonic stem cells that are able to treat and fight cancer, especially leukemias and lymphomas,” said lead author Dan Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Stem Cell Institute and department of medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Now the researchers will test whether these human embryonic stem cell-derived natural killer cells can target cancer cells in animals. To date, the research has used two U.S. approved embryonic stem cell lines. Dr. Kaufman noted that if the research leads to a treatment for people, new lines would have to be developed. The research was reported in the October 15, 2005, issue of Cell.

"We hear a lot about the potential of stem cells to treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease,” observed Dr. Kaufman. "This research suggests it is possible that we could use human embryonic stem cells as a source for immune cells that could better target and destroy cancer cells and potentially treat infections.”