Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance02:40

Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance

Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
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 Maintenance02:40

Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance

Early diagnosis and treatment can often cure cancer. However, even with treatment, residual cells called cancer stem cells (CSC) might remain, often causing tumor recurrence. These cancer stem cells possess the potential for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation and are often responsible for the therapeutic resistance displayed in most cancers.
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 Cells01:18

Distinctive Features of Adult Stem Cells vs Cancer Stem Cells

A stem cell is an unspecialized cell that can divide without limit as needed and can, under specific conditions, differentiate into specialized 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:...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Mesenchymal Stem Cells01:19

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their access...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Dual targeting of SLC25A51 and succinate dehydrogenase selectively depletes mitochondrial NAD<sup>+</sup> to eradicate KRAS-driven AML.

Cell metabolism·2026
Same author

The Nicotinamide Salvage Pathway is a Metabolic Vulnerability of High-Risk MDS Stem Cells.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2026
Same author

Targeting IL-1/IRAK1/4 signaling in acute myeloid leukemia stem cells following treatment and relapse.

Leukemia·2025
Same author

Development of a Dynamic Counterfactual Risk Stratification Strategy for Newly Diagnosed Patients With AML Treated With Venetoclax and Azacitidine.

JCO clinical cancer informatics·2025
Same author

A generalized strategy to kill leukemic cells by targeting the regulatory systems governing mitochondrial membrane potential.

Cell reports·2025
Same author

Omacetaxine and azacitidine for untreated patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and excess blasts: a phase I/II clinical trial.

EClinicalMedicine·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics
11:28

Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics

Published on: May 11, 2016

Cancer stem cells: controversial or just misunderstood?

Craig T Jordan1

  • 1James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. craig_jordan@urmc.rochester.edu

Cell Stem Cell
|March 7, 2009
PubMed
Summary

The relevance of cancer stem cells in oncology is debated. This commentary outlines key disputes to guide future research and discussion on cancer stem cell biology.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has gained attention across multiple scientific disciplines.
  • However, the fundamental role and significance of CSCs in cancer development and progression are still debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and delineate the core points of contention regarding cancer stem cells.
  • To establish clear focal points for future scientific discussion and research endeavors in this field.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a commentary, not an experimental investigation.
  • It involves a critical review and synthesis of existing viewpoints and controversies surrounding cancer stem cells.

Main Results:

More Related Videos

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies
07:29

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies

Published on: June 20, 2015

Establishment of Cancer Stem Cell Cultures from Human Conventional Osteosarcoma
09:25

Establishment of Cancer Stem Cell Cultures from Human Conventional Osteosarcoma

Published on: October 14, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics
11:28

Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics

Published on: May 11, 2016

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies
07:29

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies

Published on: June 20, 2015

Establishment of Cancer Stem Cell Cultures from Human Conventional Osteosarcoma
09:25

Establishment of Cancer Stem Cell Cultures from Human Conventional Osteosarcoma

Published on: October 14, 2016

  • Several key areas of dispute regarding the existence, function, and therapeutic targeting of cancer stem cells have been identified.
  • The commentary highlights the need for precise definitions and experimental validation to resolve these controversies.

    • Conclusions:

    • The precise role of cancer stem cells in cancer remains an open question requiring further investigation.
    • Clarifying the points of contention is crucial for advancing our understanding and developing effective cancer therapies.