Applying the principles of stem-cell biology to cancer

Ricardo Pardal, Michael F. Clarke, Sean J. Morrison

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1376 Scopus citations

Abstract

Why are tumours heterogeneous, in terms of cell phenotype and proliferative potential, even in cases in which all cells are derived from a single clone? Ongoing mutagenesis can partially explain this heterogeneity, but it also seems that some tumours arise from small populations of 'cancer stem cells' that give rise to phenotypically diverse cancer cells, with less proliferative potential. These cancer stem cells are likely to arise from mutations that dysregulate normal stem-cell self-renewal. Using this information, it might be possible to devise more effective therapies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)895-902
Number of pages8
JournalNature Reviews Cancer
Volume3
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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