Researchers have suggested that specific stem cells within tumors result in the persistent growth of cancer. The cancer tumors reduce with medical treatment but it might comeback. Three studies on three different types of tumors indicate that cancers are fueled by stem cells that are not destroyed by chemotherapy medicines. Experts said that the new research could change the direction of the research in the field. The researchers studied tumors of the brain, intestines and skin on mice in the latest independent study.

Luis F. Parada, a molecular geneticist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and senior author of one of the studies said that the researchers can study the properties of these cancer stem cells so as to devise strategies for destroying them under new treatment.

Parada said, "Everything has a soft underbelly once you understand it well. With all the modern molecular techniques and modern approaches we have, we should be able to find their soft underbelly."

The three papers published by the journals Nature and Science are expected to result in more studies in the new direction to treat the disease.