Cancer Stem Cells: Detection and Characterization from Solid Tumors

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have emerged as an attractive research interest due to their prominent role in development of the tumors. CSCs are rare dormant cells that can self-renew and maintain tumor development and heterogeneity. A better understanding of CSCs can improve tumor classification and contribute toward the development of novel therapeutic approaches to fight cancer. Hence, it is of immense importance to comprehend the basic function of CSCs in tumor formation, which can only be possible by devising perfected methodologies to isolate, detect, and characterize them. In this chapter, we outline the key protocols to culture, identify, and isolate CSCs from solid tumors to further advance basic and clinical investigation related to CSCs and their role in tumor biology.