Revolutionizing the Possibilities

At the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, in a first for medical science, Shawn Hingtgen, Ph.D., turned skin cells into stem cells that hunt down and destroy brain tumors known as glioblastomas. Dr. Hingtgen and his team have engineered the stem cells to deliver tumor-killing therapeutic agents. It is a breakthrough that could offer, for the first time in more than 30 years, a new and more effective treatment for the devastating disease.

“Patients desperately need a better standard of care. This is a big step toward a real treatment and making a real difference,” said Dr. Hingtgen.

The work represents the newest evolution of stem-cell technology. He envisions the concept being adapted to fight other types of brain cancer, including pediatric cases.