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Updated: Jun 29, 2025

Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics
Published on: May 11, 2016
Cell States in Cancer: Drivers, Passengers, and Trailers
Gaetano Gargiulo1, Michela Serresi1, Jean-Christophe Marine2,3
1Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.
Summary:
Cancer is traditionally perceived through a genetic lens, with therapeutic strategies targeting oncogenic driver mutations. We advocate an overarching framework recognizing tumors as comprising driver, passenger, and trailer cell states: Tailoring therapies to simultaneously target driver genetics and cell states may enhance effectiveness and durability.
Significance:
We redefine cancer progression by introducing a model that categorizes tumor cells into "driver," "passenger," and "trailer" phenotypes, expanding the focus on genetic aberrations to cellular behavior. This approach offers a roadmap to guide refining therapeutic strategies for more precise and durable cancer treatments that address tumor heterogeneity and plasticity.
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