It is not yet clear where cancer stem cells originate. Researchers believe the cells can have various origins, ranging from a single cell in normal tissue to a mutation in an adult stem cell. Regardless of the cell’s origin, the research continues. Some theories suggest that cancer stem cells derive from a single cell in the same tumor. While cancer stem cells are not common in end stage tumors, they may play a role in the development of a tumor.
Although most cancers are curable if diagnosed early, doctors have trouble tackling advanced forms. Among these are head and neck cancers, which are notoriously difficult to treat because they tend to resist current treatments. Current chemotherapies can have serious side effects, and treatments targeting cancer stem cells would be more effective, and cause fewer side effects. Cancer stem cells are characterized by a combination of characteristics that are common in cancer cells and stem-like cells.
Using this method, researchers can identify the genetic markers of cancer stem cells in a solid tumor. They have also identified a gene with unknown function. Researchers could use this gene to identify cancer stem cells and develop treatment for this type of disease. This method has the potential to revolutionize the way stem cells are identified. CytoTRACE is already being used to analyze thousands of single-cell genetic data from public databases. This could significantly shorten the process of identifying cancer stem cells.
Although many treatments for cancer target the primary tumour cells, these therapies often fail to eliminate cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells may migrate to distant sites and metastasize. Finding the origin of cancer stem cells can lead to the development of treatment modalities that specifically target these cancer cells. In the meantime, chemotherapy can be used to cure cancer cells that have low proliferative abilities and spare the TICs. So, while cancer stem cells are not yet a panacea, the research community must continue to explore these important cells.
In addition to cancer stem cells, researchers also study mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These stem cells are precursors to the tumor stroma and are used as a vehicle for the delivery of anticancer agents. Some of these agents target immune-activating cytokines and secreted proteins. These agents are then used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer patients. But the potential for cancer stem cells in this way is much greater than we initially thought.
The research also provides a much needed explanation for why cancer stem cells remain dormant despite chemotherapy and radiation and recur months later. This has long been controversial, but three new studies indicate that cancer stem cells are indeed the origin of tumor growth. The findings are encouraging, but cautions must be exercised when using such methods. If we want to use cancer stem cells as a useful diagnostic tool, we must use cell-tracing techniques.
