Cancer stem cells (also termed tumour- or cancer-initiating cells) were first identified in leukaemia and subsequently in solid tumours, including breast, brain, colon, and prostate cancers. CSCs are thought to possess the capacity both to divide and to generate a heterogeneous population of daughter cancer cells, mirroring the organization seen in normal tissues. This capacity is thought to be important for the maintenance and growth of some tumours, as it allows CSCs to replenish the tumour with new cancer cells. One of the most significant implications of the existence of CSCs is their role in tumour recurrence. Most cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy primarily target the most rapidly dividing cells, which make up the bulk of the tumour. However, CSCs are often quiescent or slow cycling, rendering them less vulnerable to such treatments. Thus, even if the bulk of the tumour is eradicated by treatment, the presence of CSCs can lead to tumour regrowth. This potentially poses a major clinical challenge and underscores the need to develop therapies that can specifically target CSCs. Various markers and signalling pathways have been associated with CSCs, including CD44, CD133, ALDH1, and Wnt/β-catenin signalling proteins. Additionally, the tumour microenvironment is thought to play a vital role in CSC regulation. CSCs interact with their surroundings, including immune cells, blood vessels, and the extracellular matrix, which can influence their behaviour and contribute to therapy resistance. Whilst the nature of CSCs can vary among different types of solid tumours, several major types of CSCs have been identified across various cancer types. For example, in breast cancer stem cells are associated with the initiation and progression of the disease. They are characterized by specific cell surface marker expression patterns like CD44+CD24- and high expression of certain genes such as ALDH1. In Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) a population of cancer stem cells that express markers like CD133 are thought to contribute to tumour growth and resistance to therapy, whilst in colorectal cancer, CSCs are believed to be responsible for both tumour initiation and recurrence various markers and express markers such as CD133, CD44, and EpCAM. Prostate cancer stem cells are similarly implicated in the development and progression of prostate cancer and identified using markers like CD44 and α2β1 integrin, whilst lung cancer stem cells have been identified in both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and express markers like CD133 and CD44. Ovarian cancer is also thought to harbour a population of CSCs with CD44, CD117, and CD133 expression associated with ovarian CSCs. Finally, in hepatocellular carcinoma a subpopulation of cells expressing markers like CD133 and EpCAM may be responsible for tumour initiation and recurrence. Despite the challenges posed by CSCs, they also offer a potential avenue for cancer therapies. Targeting CSCs directly or disrupting the signalling pathways that maintain their stem-like properties could lead to more effective and durable cancer treatments. Additionally, CSCs may serve as valuable biomarkers for prognosis and treatment response, aiding in personalized medicine approaches. We offer a wide product catalogue of research tools for studying cancer stem cells, including PSCA antibodies. Explore our full cancer stem cells product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Intracellular and Surface Molecules product ranges.