'U' researchers find promise in cancer-fighting cells

Embryonic stem cells are once again getting attention this year, thanks to researchers at the University of Minnesota.

 "Embryonic stem cells are often talked about to treat things like diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury," says researcher Dan Kaufman. "Now we really can add cancer to that list."

Kaufman says his team used embryonic stem cells to produce natural killer cells. Those killer cells were then used on 13 mice that had leukemia tumors.

 "Every mouse that we treated with these cells, the cancer went away completely," Kaufman says.

 The researchers also produced natural killer cells from other sources, like umbilical cord blood, but those weren't as effective. It's proof, Kaufman says, that embryonic stem cells will play a key role in cell-based cancer therapies.

 In lab experiments, researchers also found the natural killer cells derived from embryonic stem cells were effective in killing breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and brain tumor cells.

The research was done before President Barack Obama lifted strict limits on embryonic stem cell research in March. Doctor Kaufman's group will now have access to even more embryonic stem cell lines.

 "What's next is to scale up this treatment so that we can grow, not just enough cells to treat a mouse, but to treat a whole person," Kaufman says.

The research is not drawing praise from everyone. Pro-life groups oppose embryonic stem cell research because thye're derived from human embryos, says Marie Larson, production and design coordinator for the Human Life Alliance.

Larson embraces adult stem cell research, which she feels is more effective and ethical.

"If we really care about those who are suffering from these diseases and cancers, then we should be looking at research that is 20 to 30 years ahead of where embryonic is," Larson says.

But Kaufman says clinical trials on his research could be two years away. It's "really imperative that we do this work," he says, arguing that it's important to use every option available to find cures for cancer.

 One obstacle, Kaufman says, will be producing enough natural killer cells to treat humans.

By Joe Fryer, KARE 11 News Read Joe's Blog

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