Dr. Clem Penny Laboratory

Background: Cancer stem cells have been identified in a number of solid tumours. As they are associated with resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, they remain as a distinct living cell population able to cause disease relapse, giving rise to new tumours. We have detected and isolated colon cancer stem cells in the HT29 and DLD-1 colon cancer cell lines and are testing novel therapies against these cells. Targeting and destroying the stem cells will lead to improved survival and quality of life of cancer patients.