Stem cells: The real culprits in cancer?

• Autores: Michael F. Clarke, Michael W. Becker
• Localización: Scientific American, ISSN 0036-8733, Vol. 295, Nº. 1, 2006, págs. 52-59
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This article explores research suggesting that stem-like cells may be at the root of many cancers. Cancer cells are often perceived as all having the same potential to proliferate and expand the disease, but in many types of cancer only a small subset of tumor cells has that power. The tumor-generating cells share key traits with stem cells, including an unlimited life span and the ability to generate a diverse range of other cell types, and are therefore considered cancer stem cells. These malignant progenitors are believed to spring from regulatory failures in damaged stem cells or their immediate offspring. Cancer treatments must target cancer stem cells to eradicate the disease.