| Literature DB >> 26340526 |
Michael D Brooks1, Monika L Burness1, Max S Wicha2.
Abstract
Cellular heterogeneity represents one of the greatest challenges in cancer therapeutics. In many malignancies, this heterogeneity is generated during tumor evolution through a combination of genetic alterations and epigenetic events that recapitulate normal developmental processes including stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Many, if not most, tumors display similar hierarchal organization, at the apex of which are "stem-like cells" that drive tumor growth, mediate metastasis, and contribute to treatment resistance. Using breast cancer as a model, we discuss how an improved understanding of tumor cellular heterogeneity and plasticity may lead to development of more effective therapeutic strategies.Entities:
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Year: 2015 PMID: 26340526 PMCID: PMC4560840 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2015.08.014
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Cell Stem Cell ISSN: 1875-9777 Impact factor: 24.633