Cancer stem cell-like cells from a single cell of oral squamous carcinoma cell lines

► Four oral squamous cancer cell lines (OSCCL) were analyzed for cancer stem cells (CSCs). ► Single cell derived colonies of OSCCL express CSC-marker CD133 differentially. ► Monoclonal cell lines showed reduced sensitivity for Paclitaxel. ► In situ CD133+ cells are slow cycling (Ki67-) indicating a reduced drug sensitivity. ► CD133+ and CSC-like cells can be obtained from single colony forming cells of OSCCL.