Cancer Stem Cell

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cancer cells (found within tumors or cancers) that possess characteristics associated with normal stem cells. They are defined by their ability to (i) fully recapitulate the tumor of origin when transplanted, and (ii) self-renew. Both properties suggest that CSCs are required for tumor maintenance and metastasis; thus, it has been predicted that CSC elimination is required for cure. If treatments of cancer do not properly destroy enough CSCs, the tumor will reappear.

Links

• Recent Data From the Laboratory and Clinic about Cancer Stem Cell–Directed Therapies

• Wikipedia Entry for Cancer Stem Stell

• The Economist: Cancer stem cells: The root of all evil?

• New York Times: Stem Cells May Be Key to Cancer