Recently, there has been a surging interest in cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells are said to behave very similarly to normal stem cells in that they have the capability to self-renew and differentiate into more specialized cell types. In the case of the CSCs, they are capable of reproducing themselves and ultimately sustaining a cancer when they differentiate into the more commonly known tumor cells. The theory behind CSCs has immense implications. Currently, no cure for cancer exists but various cancer treatments and therapies do exist. These typically involve surgery, immune therapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy. Many of these treatments focus heavily on killing rapidly dividing and growing cells, which is a characteristic of most cancer cells. However, with the introduction of CSCs, these treatments are generally rendered ineffective as they do not target the slower dividing CSCs. As such, CSCs can potentially cause a relapse after treatment even after all observable signs of cancer have been eliminated.
Advisors
Dr. Lawrence Kulinsky
Professor
Project Team
Lydia Ameri
Team Leader
Gema Veragon
Researcher