Breast Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells

Investigators: Marta Santisteban, M.D., Ph.D.; Lynn Hartmann, M.D.; and Keith Knutson, Ph.D.

Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that many cancers, including breast cancer, are initiated and maintained by a small population of cells (about 1%) called cancer stem cells. Standard oncologic strategies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are able to eliminate the bulk of a tumor, but they cannot eliminate these cancer stem cells. These remaining stem cells often develop into a recurrence, explaining why patients relapse.

The researchers are studying the ability of these cells to self-renewal as well as different pathways related to carcinogenesis and stem cells' growth. Specifically, how cells are resistant to chemotherapy may be through certain cell transporters, called "ABC transporters" since an overexpression of these prevent cancer stem cells from internalizing chemotherapy. Improving knowledge about the functional and morphological behavior in breast cancer stem cells will translate in new therapeutic options with high accuracy and low toxicity in order to avoid relapse of the disease.