What are cancer stem cells?

Cancer stem cells are a subpopulation of cancer cells that have the unique ability to self-renew and drive tumor growth. This concept is rooted in the understanding that not all cells within a tumor are the same; rather, some cells possess the characteristics of stem cells, which include the capacity to proliferate indefinitely and the ability to produce diverse cell types that make up the tumor.

This self-renewal ability is critical because it allows cancer stem cells to perpetuate the tumor even after conventional therapies may have targeted the bulk of the cancer cells. The presence of these cells contributes to issues like tumor recurrence and metastasis, as they can survive treatments that eliminate other cancer cells.

Understanding the role of cancer stem cells is vital for developing targeted therapies that can more effectively eliminate tumors by addressing the root of tumor growth rather than merely shrinking the overall mass of cancer cells. Recognizing this distinct population helps researchers and clinicians in designing strategies that will specifically target cancer stem cells for better treatment outcomes.