[Tumor stem cells and drug resistance].

Abstract

The tumor stem cells possessing stem cells properties have been described in haematopoietic cancer and some solid tumors. It is believed the regeneration and displace of cancer after chemotherapy have tighten relation with the residual tumor stem cells. The main reason is that tumor stem cells over-express ATP-binding cassette drug transporters and Bcl-2. Moreover, tumor stem cells have the character of stem cells. More insight into the mechanisms of tumor stem cells might help lead to new therapeutic targets and better anticancer strategies.