Even as the cells' various properties are described in depth, these papers mention almost nothing about their human origins. Here is what I do know. All successfully established cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, are immortal, meaning that they will reproduce endlessly in covered dishes so long as they are provided with the proper nutrients. No one knows why some cancer cells can attain immortality while others cannot. Because they can be shipped all over the world, immortal cell lines allow many laboratories to conduct research on cells from the same tumor over long periods of time.
Immortal cells are to cancer researchers what sourdough starter is to bread bakers.
Its name reveals a few interesting clues. MCF stands for Michigan Cancer Foundation, the Detroit institution that makes this cell line available to laboratories around the world. The trailing seven refers to the number of attempts that were required to establish a self-perpetuating stock of cells from the body of the particular woman patient who consented to this effort. Immortality was finally achieved on the seventh try. I ask into the phone, trying to imagine the procedure, wondering if it was painful, wondering how many attempts she was willing to submit to.