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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:01
Obtaining Cancer Stem Cell Spheres from Gynecological and Breast Cancer Tumors
Published on: March 1, 2020
Cancer stem cells: markers or biomarkers?
Wendy A Woodward1, Erik P Sulman
1Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Box 1202, Houston, TX 77030, USA. wwoodward@mdanderson.org
Cancer Metastasis Reviews
|April 26, 2008
Summary
Identifying cancer stem cells using cell surface markers is crucial for understanding treatment resistance and predicting patient outcomes. Research focuses on specific marker patterns, like those in breast cancer and gliomas, to detect these rare, resistant cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hematopoietic stem cells are identified by cell surface protein markers during differentiation.
- Specific antibodies aid in isolating hematopoietic stem cells via flow cytometry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the identification of stem cells in solid organs using cell surface markers.
- To discuss the significance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumor biology, including their role in treatment resistance and the need for identification.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing cell surface markers to identify stem cells in solid organs and tumors.
- Employing flow cytometry and antibody-based detection of specific cell surface antigens.
Main Results:
- Established marker patterns for tumor-initiating cells in breast cancer (Lin(-)CD44(+)CD24(-/lo) ESA(+)).
- CD133 expression identifies treatment-resistant, tumor-initiating cells in high-grade gliomas.
Conclusions:
- Cell surface markers are key to identifying CSCs, which exhibit treatment resistance.
- Detecting rare CSCs in clinical samples and validating their predictive power for outcomes remain challenges.
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