Potential stem cell marker CD44 is constitutively expressed in permanent cell lines of head and neck cancer.

Abstract

CD44+ 'tumor stem cells' may play a key role in the establishment of permanent HNSCC cell lines, selecting especially robust cell entities that might drive the progression and metastasis of HNSCC. Individual analysis of 'tumor stem cell' markers will be an important tool for innovative therapies and for determining the prognosis of patients with HNSCC.