CANCER STEM CELLS

Question 1

Introduction about CSCs

Answer 1

Tumor-initiating cells
Stochastic model vs CSC model
Discovery in AML
Strategy to identify them

Question 2

Technological challenges of CSCs

Answer 2

-Quality of xenograft assays
-Bona fide CSC markers: additional tests > spheroid formation assay, side population assay and ALDH assay
-Is the CSC a stable phenotypic trait? Explain the example of melanoma and the dynamic stemness model

Question 3

Cancer therapy based on CSCs

Answer 3

Different approaches:
- Attack directly CSCs: ex. TIM3, CD47 and CD44
- Induce the proliferation in CSCs: induce proliferation ex. G-CSF or target proteins responsible for their maintenance in the quiescence state ex. PML
- Attack the CSC niche: block neoangiogenesis ex. Bevacizumab or induce their exit from the niche ex. Plerixafor
- Inhibit the transition from NCSC and CSC