History of Cancer Stem Cells

摘要: It has been hypothesized for over 40 years that cancers contain the same cell populations as normal tissues: stem cells, proliferating transit-amplifying and terminally differentiated (mature cells). The properties of cancer cells include ability to transplant tumor, grow in vitro resist conventional therapies. idea arose from dates back middle 1800s embryonal rest theory cancer. Studies on germinal (teratocarcinomas) beginning about 50 ago established arise cells. For some time teratocarcinomas were believed be different other regard their origin However, studies liver cancer, dedifferentiation mature hepatocytes, revealed also More recently blood (leukemias) demonstrated due specific blocks differentiation caused by genetic lesions allow leukemic continue proliferate not die (maturation arrest). Conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy anti-angiogenic therapies act When these are discontinued will reform therapy resistant Re-appreciation allows new directions blocking signals maintain stemness allowing differentiate. goal this chapter is introduce subject present a history how concept developed. Two major concepts covered: (1) (cancer cells); (2) first significance designing directed cancer; second important directing approaches prevent