USC researchers discover breast cancer stem cells in bone marrow: May mean greater risk for breast cancer patients than previously thought

Source: University of Southern California
Date: October 5, 2006

Summary:

A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California found that almost all tumor cells found in the bone marrow of early stage breast cancer patients appear to be breast cancer stem cells, suggesting the risk of disease spread for all breast cancer patients may be greater than previously thought.

Commentary: Maybe this study will eventually lead to treatments that target and destroy breast cancer stem cells before they become mature cancers cells, and treat the cancer in its early stages, before it spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body.