Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells werehave originally been identified in leukemia and later in several solid tumor types. They have very different properties from the bulk of the tumor, as they divide much more slowly and have very efficient drug- resistance mechanisms. Current treatments might largely spare cancer stem cells, thus leading to tumor recurrence and metastasis. The recent identification of growth and differentiation pathways responsible for cancer stem cell proliferation and survival will help in the discovery identification of novel therapeutic targets. Developing selective drugs against cancer stem cells offers great therapeutic opportunities but also provides for major challenges regarding preclinical models, therapeutic windows, and clinical study end points.

This book describes the recent developments in the emerging field of cancer stem cells. Their possible impact for the identification of novel treatment paradigms for cancer are discussed. The book will mainly be of interest to scientists and clinicians involved in cancer research, or to students wishing to enter into this area.