Cancer Stem Cells

J. Lynne Williams

doi:10.29074/ascls.25.1.50

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J. Lynne Williams, Ph.D., MLS⇑
1. Oakland University, School of Health Sciences, Biomedical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Rochester, MI

Address for Correspondence: J. Lynne Williams, Ph.D., MLS, Biomedical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester MI, 48309, 248-370-4040, jlwillia{at}oakland.edu

Define the cancer stem cell model of tumorigenesis.
Describe the characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs).
Relate the biologic characteristics of CSCs to their impact on cancer therapeutics.
Identify novel targets for therapeutic approaches directed at CSCs.

Abstract

The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis has had a major effect on the fields of cancer cell biology and clinical oncology. CSCs were originally described in hematologic malignancies, and subsequently in a variety of solid tumors. Their unique biological characteristics, including self-renewal capability, stem cell signaling pathways, relative quiescence and resistance to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy are providing researchers and clinicians with new challenges. One important outcome of this new perspective on tumors is the recognition that effective treatment approaches will need to target both the rapidly proliferating bulk tumor cells, and the quiescent CSCs, which contain the ability to re-establish the malignancy when treatment is withdrawn. The clinical laboratory will undoubtedly see an influx of new molecular and histopathological tests to augment initial diagnosis, treatment decisions, and prognostic monitoring of cancer patients related to identifying and quantifying these as CSCs.