A novel cancer stem cell-based classification model for the tumorigenesis and development of colorectal cancer

Cancer is a heterogenetic disease. Although multiple hypotheses and models have been indicated, there is still no robust method to distinguish the heterogeneity of cancer. Evidence has been provided showing that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in the origin and progression of cancer. In this opinion article, based on the theory of CSCs, we propose a novel CSC-based classification model (CSCCM) to explain the origin and progression of colorectal cancer, which would explain some confusing clinical phenomena and distinguish the heterogeneity of colorectal cancer from its origin. We further suggest that this model can presently be incorporated into the cancer progression theory.