Ortho professor discusses cancer stem cells

C. Parker Gibbs, M.D., an associate professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation who specializes in orthopaedic oncology, was recently selected as one of four distinguished U.S. speakers to present research at the 15th International Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference.

As a representative for orthopaedic oncology and stem cell research, his talk was titled “Identification of Stem-like Cells in Bone Sarcomas.” The presentation focused on the identification of the tumor-initiating cells in bone sarcomas that appear to use the molecular machinery of embryonic stem cells to facilitate their malignant potential. Cancer stem cells have been similarly implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, including leukemia and epithelial cancers. Their role, however in mesenchymal solid tumors had not been previously demonstrated.

Gibbs also was invited recently to give Grand Rounds at Yale University, where he discussed the therapeutic implications of the similarities between osteosarcoma cells and embryonic stem cells. He was also a speaker at the inaugural St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital/Methodist Health Care Sarcoma Conference and recently presented a course for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.