[Stem cells and cancer: elucidating the origin of the cancer stem cell].
Stem cell therapy is currently at the frontier of biomedical research. A considerable volume of evidence indicates that cancer stem cells are responsible for the development of different types of tumors. Malignant transformation of stem cells may be due to the loss of normal asymmetric division processes, cell fusion, microenviromental factors, generic and epigenetic mechanisms or carcinogenics already implicated in cancer development. A better understanding of these transforming events will allow more rational design of new specific therapeutic strategies targeting the cancer stem cell.
Bosch Barrera
J
J
Departamento de Oncología y Radioterapia, Clínica Universitaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona. jbosch@unav.es
López-Picazo González
J M
JM
García-Foncillas López
J
J
Prósper Cardoso
F
F
D000818:Animals; D019070:Cell Lineage; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects