Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Patient Derived Cell Culture and Isolation of CD133+ Putative Cancer Stem Cells from Melanoma
Published on: March 13, 2013
Putative cancer stem cells in cutaneous malignancies.
Maria R Kamstrup1, Robert Gniadecki, Gunhild L Skovgaard
1Department of Dermatology, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. mk43@bbh.hosp.dk
Cancer stem cells drive tumor growth and relapse in various cancers. This overview explores their role in skin cancers, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in tumor growth and recurrence in leukaemia, brain, and breast cancers.
- CSCs are hypothesized to maintain tumor progression and cause treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence for CSCs in cutaneous malignancies.
- To discuss the significance of CSC characterization for novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental data on CSCs in skin cancers.
- Analysis of studies investigating CSC markers and functions in cutaneous malignancies.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests CSCs contribute to the pathogenesis of skin carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
- Putative CSCs are identified in various skin cancers, though their precise characterization is ongoing.
Conclusions:
- CSCs play a crucial role in the development and relapse of skin cancers.
- Targeting CSCs holds promise for more effective treatments for cutaneous malignancies.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Distinctive Features of Adult Stem Cells vs Cancer Stem Cells
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells are tissue-specific; hence, they divide to develop the tissue from which they originate. One type of adult stem cell is the epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to the keratinocytes in the multiple layers of epithelial cells in the epidermis of the skin. Adult bone marrow has three distinct types of stem cells:...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

