Nowotworowe komórki macierzyste - im więcej wiemy, tym więcej pytań

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are currently subject to extensive interdisciplinary research and many discussions. Latest scientific reports indicate a fundamental role of CSCs in the process of cancerogenesis, radio- and chemoresistance and metastisation. Those cells have been found in many types of solid tumours and leukaemias. They are characterised by: unlimited proliferation potential, ability to differentiate and form tumours and metastases. In the light of the present state of knowledge, it seems justified to charge that population of cells with the responsibility for the progression of the disease and the lack of response to treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to learn more about the biology of that population of cells and to find appropriate markers to define them.