Normal and cancerous prostate tissues kept alive in the laboratory.

Researchers from an international team have succeeded in keeping surgically removed prostate tissues, both normal and cancerous, alive and functional.  The new technique allows researchers to study cancer in a new way.  The cancer cells are still in their natural 'home'.  The new model could have great impact on developing personalized medical plans for prostate cancer patients.  Researchers have already examined the expression of key cancer genes in the tissues with intriguing results.