Cancer Stem Cells | Vibepedia

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells within a tumor or hematological malignancy that exhibit characteristics akin to normal stem cells. These CSCs are thought to possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, mirroring their normal counterparts, allowing them to generate the diverse cell types that constitute a given cancer. Unlike many other cancer cells that may shrink or die under treatment, CSCs are thought to be inherently resistant to conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, thereby driving tumor relapse and metastasis. Their identification and targeted eradication are considered a critical frontier in oncology, offering a potential pathway to more durable remissions and improved patient outcomes. The concept challenges the traditional view of tumors as homogenous masses, instead proposing a hierarchical model where CSCs act as the linchpin for tumor development and propagation.