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. 2015 Aug 7;16(9):1084–1098. doi: 10.15252/embr.201439675

Figure 2. Cancer stem cell model.

Figure 2

Based on the CSC model, cancers are composed of heterogeneous cell populations with a hierarchy similar to normal tissue. On top of the hierarchy are cancer stem cells (CSCs) that can self-renew and differentiate into more mature non-CSC cells. CSCs are usually rare and believed to be the driver of tumorigenesis and disease progression. Non-CSC cells do not self-renew, have limited proliferation potential and lifespan, and are not able to initiate the disease.