Canada and California, two world leaders in cancer stem cell research, have joined hands in research to understand the role of stem cells in the development of cancer.

Canadian Health Minister Tony Clement announced at an international convention in San Diego last week that the Toronto-based Cancer Stem Cell Consortium (CSCC), which co-ordinates with researchers in California, will get $100 million for joint stem cell research.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, attended the announcement. The CSCC, part of the larger Canada-California Strategic Innovation Partnership, involves collaboration among universities, the private sector and government.

"I am proud to announce Canada will contribute more than $100 million to the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium, which will work with the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) in this exciting new partnership," Clement said in a press release.

"Now we are working together across borders, bringing together the best minds from both countries with the goal of learning how to prevent and treat cancer for the benefit of all of our citizens," said Clement.

Governor Schwarzenegger added: "California is committed to being a leader in stem cell research, but no one state or nation should do this alone.

"Entering into collaborations such as this . . . has great potential in improving the lives of not only Californians, but people around the world."

Under the three-year agreement, the CIRM and the CSCC will jointly explore collaborative approaches to evaluate, fund and monitor cancer stem cell research projects.

"By working together across borders and bringing together the top scientists from both countries to tackle cancer stem cell research, I believe we will be able to shorten the time to bring great improvements to the lives of those affected by cancer," Clement said.

-IANS