Scientists from the Simon Fraser University and the BC Cancer Agency have made an important discovery which indicates stem cell isolation could help fight tonsil cancer.
The researchers have used an innovative technique to separate and identify stem cells that reside inside the tonsil. This research breakthrough could lead to a better treatment for oral cancer. The findings were published recently in the journal Stem Cell Reports.
Stem cells in most other parts of the body have been studied very closely, but little is known about the stem cells in the tonsils. It is estimated that 90% of human tonsil cancers have evidence of HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, but little is known about the relationship between the two diseases. Researchers do know that HPV is a risk factor for cervical cancer, but are unsure if it can cause oral cancer.
Lead author of the paper, Catherine Kang, was interested in discovering if the tonsils were susceptible to HPV. She wanted to investigate the stem cells on the surface of the tonsils to determine if they played a role in HPV infection.
Kang realised that a stem cell isolation technique was required so she could investigate the interaction between HPV and individual cells. After purifying the cells, Kang incorporated a cancer-causing gene that is normally transmitted by the HPV virus.
Kang explains the significance of the research findings, saying: “This is a very exciting finding, as it is the first stage of human cancer development that researchers need to learn how to detect and eliminate.”
By being able to isolate and examine the complex interactions of cells in a petri dish, researchers can better understand what is going on and easily test new drugs. This breakthrough is particularly important because the incidence of oral cancer continues to rise globally.
Source: New research opens door to understanding human tonsil cancer
{{cta(‘3fe0aac7-7562-46dc-b8b9-c706d9cfd6b1’)}}
{{cta(‘fec594e9-5433-4350-9180-2bdd371eb399’)}}