University of Iowa researchers are zeroing in on identifying the cells behind an aggressive form of skin cancer. Dr. Mary Hendrix, director of basic research at the U-of-I’s Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, explains they discovered a fast-moving melanoma cell which mimics what are called endothelial cells, which form blood vessels. Dr. Hendrix says that could be used as a way to target the cancer cells and stop them from spreading. She says they’re going to try and develop new technology that would allow physicians to detect the cells, so they know the cells are not normal.The results of the study appear in the June 19 issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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