Stemness markers of osteosarcoma

In this chapter, we have indicated promising surfacemarkers, such as CD133, CD117 and Stro-1, for the identification of candidate osteosarcoma CSCs and at the sametime of potential therapeutic targets. Refinements in flow cytometric techniques have allowed for the identificationof SPs cells and ALDHbright cells which show stem cell-like properties, including self-renewal, tumor initiation, serialpropagation and resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. Further technical refinements and the use of noveltechniques, such as genetic lineage tracking, may allow the identification and isolation of a purer population of CSCsfrom osteosarcomas. Improved understanding of the cellular origins of osteosarcomas, and further refinements inthe molecular characterization of these tumors, will be essential in the discrimination of putative CSCs.