Are Cancer Stem Cells Responsible for Cancer Recurrence?

Are Cancer Stem Cells Responsible for Cancer Recurrence?

Local recurrence or distant organ metastasis are the major causes of cancer mortality. Conventional treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and irradiation, do not consistently prevent cancer recurrence. Thus, an alternative therapeutic approach is needed. Recent evidence indicates a specific cell population of cancer stem cells or tumor initiating cells (jointly CSC) exists in various cancers that may be identified by cell surface markers, such as CD133, CD44, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) enzyme expression, or side population.