St. Jude researchers show that rhabdomyosarcoma also originates from endothelial cells lining blood vessels. The image shows red endothelial progenitor cells expanding and proliferating forming tumors between the green muscle fibers.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital oncologists have discovered the cell type that gives rise to rhabdomyosarcoma, the most prevalent soft tissue cancer in children. Previously, scientists thought the cancer arose from immature muscle cells, because the tumor resembled muscle under the microscope. However, the St. Jude researchers discovered the cancer arises from immature progenitors that would normally develop into cells lining blood vessels.
The researchers, led by Mark Hatley, M.D., Ph.D., of the Department of Oncology, published their findings in the January 8 issue of the scientific journal Cancer Cell.
Hatley said understanding the cell of origin will bring badly needed insights to aid diagnosis and treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma. “We are still using the same chemotherapy that was in use 46 years ago, with the same outcomes,” Hatley said. “A better understanding of the machinery of rhabdomyosarcoma could enable entirely new treatment approaches.
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