Molecular markers of cancer stem cells verified in vivo

Abstract

This systematic review aims to analyze molecular markers of cancer stem cells. Only studies that confirmed tumor-initiating capacity of this population by in vivo assay in immunodeficient mice were included. Final sample of papers that fully correspond with initial aim consists of 97 original studies. The results of their analysis reveal that markers commonly used for cancer stem cells deriving were as follows: CD133, CD44, ALDH, CD 34, CD24 and EpCAM. The review also contains description of molecular features of some cancer stem cell markers, modern approaches to cancer treatment by targeting this population and brief assessment of cancer stem cell theory development.