Research sheds light on prostate cancer

Scientists have discovered a cell that could be an important link in the development of prostate cancer.

Samples of the these particular cells, known as basal cells, taken from healthy human prostate tissue, triggered cancer in mice with suppressed immune systems.

The US researchers say their findings suggest that these cells may be a major cause of prostate cancer, which causes over 500 deaths in Irish men each year.

Previously it was thought that a different type of cell caused prostate cancer.

It is hoped the discovery, reported in the journal Science, will lead to better diagnostic tools and more effective treatments for the disease.

The researchers say the discovery will help clinicians understand the sequence of genetic events that causes prostate cancer and will shed new light on how the cancer develops, potentially helping to discover new treatments.

The research was published in the journal Science.

Read more on prostate cancer here

See also www.cancer.ie

[Posted: Fri 30/07/2010]