OU Scientists Identify Cancer Marker OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (kccu-fm) - Scientists at the University of Oklahoma's Cancer Institute say they have found a way to isolate cancer stem cells in tumors so they can be targeted and killed.

Scientists say the discovery, announced Friday, could pave the way for development of a new cancer-killing drug that would kill the stem cells and the disease.

Dr. Courtney Houchen (HUTCH'-in) says he and other OU researchers discovered that a particular protein only appears in stem cells. By targeting those cells, physicians would be able to stop cancer from returning.

The discovery was praised by cancer survivor Jim Edwards of Duncan. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Edwards has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatments and has been cancer free for more than three years.

Edwards says the new stem cell drug would be like an insurance policy for cancer survivors. © Copyright 2009, kccu-fm