Washington, Sep 8 (IANS): A new study has found that there are immune cells, known as myeloid derived suppressor cells, that provide a niche where cancer stem cells survive.

The study, published by the Immunity journal, reports that cancer stem cells are thought to be resistant to current chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and researchers believe that killing the cancer stem cells is crucial for eliminating cancer, Prensa Latina reported Friday.

Researchers looked at cells from the most common and lethal type of ovarian cancer, a disease in which patients often become resistant to chemotherapy, causing the cancer to return.

The researchers also said that if a therapy to combat the function of these cells could be identified, it would be possible to eliminate the immune suppression that helps support the cancer.

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal or malignant cells in the body that multiply autonomously, invading other tissues both near and far from the source.