Stem cells in human breast cancer

摘要: Increasing data support cancer as a stem cell-based disease. Cancer cells (CSCs) have been found in different human cancers, and recent evidence indicates that breast originates from is maintained by its own CSCs, well the normal mammary gland. Mammary CSCs identified purified vitro culture systems, transplantation assays and/or cell surface antigen identification. Cell markers enable functional isolation of can initiate propagate tumorigenesis These observations dramatic biological clinical significance due to increasing suggesting recurrence treatment failure may reflect intrinsic quiescence drug resistance CSCs. Thus, CSC hypothesis provides fundamental implications for understanding carcinogenesis developing new strategies prevention therapy advanced Further isolate find additional trustworthy markers, compare gene expression pathways profiles with their counterparts are necessary more accurately define putative cell-lineage types present mature gland identify potential therapeutical targets cancer. This review discusses current knowledge about focusing on consequences susceptibility, prognosis, treatment.