In a groundbreaking new finding, experts have managed to create prostate cancer cells, under conditions which are controlled in the laboratory, in order to better understand the mechanism of cancer attack, and subsequently find a better way to deal with the disease and a more effective treatment.

A team of researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, genetically modified human stem cells in order to obtain an improved understanding of the way cancer spreads in the human body.

Researchers have now established that gaining knowledge of what causes the stem cells to turn cancerous might lead to a better diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

"One of the hallmarks of stem cells is that they self-renew, which also makes their DNA vulnerable to collecting mistakes in the genetic code. When this results in uncontrolled cell growth, it leads to cancer. The technique could assist the `fine tuning' of new anti-cancer drugs", said Lead researcher, Dr. Owen Witte.

The research was presented in detail at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, San Diego.