Evolution of the Cancer Stem Cell Model

Evolution of the Cancer Stem Cell Model

Genetic analyses have shaped much of our understanding of cancer. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that cancer cells display features of normal tissue organization, where cancer stem cells (CSCs) can drive tumor growth. Although often considered as mutually exclusive models to describe tum...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cell stem cell 2014-03, Vol.14 (3), p.275-291
Main Authors: Kreso, Antonija, Dick, John E.
Format: Article
Language:eng
Subjects:
Animals
Epigenesis, Genetic
Genetic Heterogeneity
Humans
Models, Biological
Neoplasms - genetics
Neoplasms - pathology
Neoplasms - therapy
Neoplastic Stem Cells - pathology
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Summary:Genetic analyses have shaped much of our understanding of cancer. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that cancer cells display features of normal tissue organization, where cancer stem cells (CSCs) can drive tumor growth. Although often considered as mutually exclusive models to describe tumor heterogeneity, we propose that the genetic and CSC models of cancer can be harmonized by considering the role of genetic diversity and nongenetic influences in contributing to tumor heterogeneity. We offer an approach to integrating CSCs and cancer genetic data that will guide the field in interpreting past observations and designing future studies. This Review proposes that the genetic and CSC models of cancer can be harmonized by considering the role of genetic diversity and nongenetic influences in contributing to tumor heterogeneity.
ISSN:1934-5909
1875-9777