Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have found that subjecting cancer cells to microgravity results in the formation of giant cancer cells with stem cell properties. In a statement issued here on Tuesday IIT-M said these cells can conceivably be used for cancer research and drug development. Stem cells are difficult to isolate and grow. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) generally make up just one per cent to three per cent of all cells in a tumour. Research is being conducted all over the world to extract and culture CSCs for cancer understanding and drug development the statement said.
