Due to the rising morbidity and mortality
of cancer, research activities for the prevention and treatment of the disease are
on the agenda of public health agencies in many countries around the world. Government
agencies and healthcare agencies are supporting these initiatives in the form
of infrastructural, human resource, and monetary aid.
In this regard, stem cells and cell
therapy are slated to have a significant potential for effective cancer treatment.
The efficacy of cancer stem cells (CSCs) on animals has been tested with the
results obtained being significantly encouraging. However, the efficacy of CSC
on humans is still in the testing phase and is facing challenges due to
stringent regulatory norms and ethical constraints.
Cancer research studies demonstrate that
cancer cells present inside a cancer patient’s body are not all the same. Studies
suggest that within a malignant tumor or among cancerous cells that are metastasizing,
the cells present are of more than one type. According to the suggestive cancer
stem cell theory, among all cancerous cells, only some act as stem cells and have
the potency to reproduce themselves and sustain the cancer. This is much like healthy
stem cells which have the potency to renew and sustain bodily tissues and
organs. In this consideration, cancer stem cells that cannot act as stem cells
can also cause problems, however, these cells are not strong enough to sustain
an attack on the body in the long run.
In the purview of cancer stem cell
treatment, cells obtained from a tumor that can reproduce are arranged to
multiply in tumors as a separate population, thereby causing deterioration the existing
tumor through the development of a new tumor. With advancement in cancer stem
cell research, therapies that are specific for cancer of lungs, colorectal,
brain, breast, and bones, among others, will improve life-quality of cancer
patients and chances of longevity with the disease.
North America is currently the largest market
for cancer stem cells – developed research infrastructure, regulatory norms in
place, availability of funds, and being home to a large number of skilled
researchers and healthcare professionals are the reasons for this.
Some of the major players in the business
of cancer stem cells are AdnaGen Gmbh, AVIVA Biosciences Corporation, Epic
Sciences Inc., Rarecells USA Inc., Advanced Cell Diagnostics Inc., Celula Inc.,
Fluxion Biosciences Inc. and Silicon Biosystems, S.p.A.
