Am J Cancer Res 2013;3(1):107-116
Review Article
On the origin and destination of cancer stem cells: a conceptual evaluation
Anja van de Stolpe
Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Philips Research, High Tech Campus 11, 1.163, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Received November 1, 2012; Accepted November 15, 2012; Epub January 18, 2013; Published January 25, 2013
Abstract: Despite remaining uncertainties and ongoing research it is possible to draw up a model for the role of (cancer) stem
cells in both the initiation and progression of cancer towards metastasis. The cancer stem cell of origin and the cancer stem cell
are, despite phenotypic similarities, genotypically different entities. Given the right circumstances provided by a combination of
genomic changes and biochemical and physical interactions with its microenvironment, an epithelial cancer cell may undergo a
phenotypic epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) towards a cancer stem cell. This transition conveys upon the cell crucial
stem cell-like abilities which facilitate migration into the blood circulation as an individual circulating tumor cell, survive there, and
subsequently seed into organ tissue where, once more in close interaction with its microenvironment, the process of clonal self
renewal may start, leading to a metastatic tumor. Both in the primary tumor as well as in the metastatic tumor, partial
differentiation of the cancer stem cell progeny leads to phenotypic heterogeneity. Throughout this complex process of cancer
metastasis similarities with the way stem cells function during embryonic development, including the signaling pathways that
mediate these functions, are evident. Deeper insight in the EMT process, plasticity of the resulting cancer stem cells, and the
role of cancer stem cells in the metastatic process is expected to lead to novel anti-metastatic cancer therapies. Emerging
human in vitro cancer models in the form of “organ-on-a-chip” may contribute valuable novel research tools to achieve this aim.
(ajcr0000153).
Keywords: Cancer stem cell Wnt signaling pathway circulating tumor evolution metastasis
Address correspondence to: Dr. Anja van de Stolpe, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Philips Research, High Tech
Campus 11, 1.163, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands. E-mail: Anja.van.de.stolpe@philips.com
Review Article
On the origin and destination of cancer stem cells: a conceptual evaluation
Anja van de Stolpe
Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Philips Research, High Tech Campus 11, 1.163, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Received November 1, 2012; Accepted November 15, 2012; Epub January 18, 2013; Published January 25, 2013
Abstract: Despite remaining uncertainties and ongoing research it is possible to draw up a model for the role of (cancer) stem
cells in both the initiation and progression of cancer towards metastasis. The cancer stem cell of origin and the cancer stem cell
are, despite phenotypic similarities, genotypically different entities. Given the right circumstances provided by a combination of
genomic changes and biochemical and physical interactions with its microenvironment, an epithelial cancer cell may undergo a
phenotypic epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) towards a cancer stem cell. This transition conveys upon the cell crucial
stem cell-like abilities which facilitate migration into the blood circulation as an individual circulating tumor cell, survive there, and
subsequently seed into organ tissue where, once more in close interaction with its microenvironment, the process of clonal self
renewal may start, leading to a metastatic tumor. Both in the primary tumor as well as in the metastatic tumor, partial
differentiation of the cancer stem cell progeny leads to phenotypic heterogeneity. Throughout this complex process of cancer
metastasis similarities with the way stem cells function during embryonic development, including the signaling pathways that
mediate these functions, are evident. Deeper insight in the EMT process, plasticity of the resulting cancer stem cells, and the
role of cancer stem cells in the metastatic process is expected to lead to novel anti-metastatic cancer therapies. Emerging
human in vitro cancer models in the form of “organ-on-a-chip” may contribute valuable novel research tools to achieve this aim.
(ajcr0000153).
Keywords: Cancer stem cell Wnt signaling pathway circulating tumor evolution metastasis
Address correspondence to: Dr. Anja van de Stolpe, Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Philips Research, High Tech
Campus 11, 1.163, 5656 AE Eindhoven, The Netherlands. E-mail: Anja.van.de.stolpe@philips.com
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American Journal of Cancer Research
| ISSN: 2156-6976 |