Cancer Stem Cell Subpopulation Drives Metastasis Of Human Pancreatic Cancer

Scientists have identified a distinct subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that is responsible for metastasis of a deadly human pancreatic cancer. The research provides insight into the role of CSCs in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis and suggests new directions for development of more effective therapeutics.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer death and is relatively incurable due to early metastatic spread and high resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. In order to better understand the pathology of this deadly cancer, scientists have recently begun to explore the role of CSCs in pancreatic tumors. CSCs are thought to be a small population of tumor cells that have similar properties to normal stem cells in that they are self-replicating and capable of giving rise to populations of differentiated cells.

<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070912121905.htm">
Cancer Stem Cell Subpopulation Drives Metastasis Of Human Pancreatic Cancer
</a> (sciencedaily.com)