Cancer stem cells and tumor angiogenesis

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in several human solid and hematological tumors. They are able to initiate tumor formation and metastasis and express specific cell surface markers. CSC tend to be more resistant to chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy than more mature cell types from the same tissue because of increased expression of antiapoptotic proteins. In this context, the development of agents that eliminate or control CSC may be an effective strategy for cancer prevention. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.