UCLA researchers discover the unexpected cell that causes prostate cancer

Wow, this is cool - the LATimes reports UCLA researchers discover the unexpected cell that causes prostate cancer:

UCLA researchers reported Thursday that they have discovered the identity of the prostate cell that goes awry to produce cancer, a finding that could lead to new approaches to prevention and treatment of this common plague of men. Most researchers had previously believed that prostate tumors originated in the so-called luminal cells because tumor cells look like luminal cells. But immunologist Owen N. Witte of UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and his colleagues have found that it actually arises in basal cells, a more stem cell-like component of the gland.

The prostate is filled with a network of small tubules. The insides of these tubules are lined with luminal cells, which produce fluids and proteins that aid reproduction. Basal cells form the outside core of the tubules.

This is excellent; the sort of understanding that can lead to effective treatments...  more, faster, please!