Cancer Stem Cells: Are We Targeting the Right Cells?

Why do tumors reemerge in so many cancer patients? Current cancer treatments target the cells that make up the bulk of a tumor, but may miss the cells that cause metastasis and relapse. Recent evidence suggests that many cancers, including breast cancer, are driven by a small subpopulation of “cancer stem cells“ that are relatively resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. Dr. Wicha discusses the “cancer stem cell” model and its implications to the biology and treatment of tumors, including the early clinica