title: Evolution of the cancer stem cell model.
abstract: Genetic analyses have shaped much of our understanding of cancer. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that cancer cells display features of normal tissue organization, where cancer stem cells (CSCs) can drive tumor growth. Although often considered as mutually exclusive models to describe tumor heterogeneity, we propose that the genetic and CSC models of cancer can be harmonized by considering the role of genetic diversity and nongenetic influences in contributing to tumor heterogeneity. We offer an approach to integrating CSCs and cancer genetic data that will guide the field in interpreting past observations and designing future studies.
authors.affiliation: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
authors.forename: Antonija
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kreso
authors.affiliation: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada. Electronic address: jdick@uhnresearch.ca.
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Dick
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays