NTU Undergraduates' research April 2014 - Biosciences | Page 76

What are Cancer Stem Cells and what are
their Functions?
Rushba Kausar N0334727

Cancer stem cells are cells present in tumours which have the ability to self-renew and differentiate,
resembling normal stem cells. This review will be summarising and evaluating the functions of
normal stem cells in comparison with cancer stem cells. Emphasis will be on cancer stem cell
extraction and purification using cell surface markers. The article will also discuss different pathways
which regulate renewal of normal and cancer stem cells as well as state evidence suggesting whether
cancer stem cells are accountable for metastasis. Whether cancer stem cells should be used for the
foundation of cancer treatment will be a topic of interest. Conversely, Evidence about the usefulness
of cancer stem cells will be discussed and how they can be the foundation of generating new and
further research into future management of patients and cancer treatment.
Key words
Cancer, malignant disease, tumour, Cancer stem cells, progenitor cells, differentiated cells,
metastasis, angiogenesis, stem cells markers,