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U of M study suggests possible cancer treatment may not work for all forms of the disease ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -

The University of Michigan's stem cell researchers say a commonly held belief about the best way to treat cancer may not apply to one very common form of cancer.

Some cancer researchers believe that targeting a specific subset' of cancer stem cells could be an effective way to treating the disease. The treatment has shown promise with some forms of leukemia.

But new research from the U of M Center for Stem Cell Biology suggests that's not true when it comes to melanoma. Sean Morrison is the center's director. He says it appears no melanoma stem cells are any less dangerous' than any other melanoma cells.

"I think the bottom line is that there are going to be some cancers that are driven by cancer stem cells. Those cancers we may be able to improve the treatment of patients are targeting those small sub-populations' of cells," says Morrison, "But our data suggests that not all cancers are going to follow the cancer stem cell model."

Melanoma kills more than 8,000 Americans each year.

The U of M study appears in the journal Cancer Cell. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio