This book, titled "Cancer Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols," is edited by John S. Yu and published by Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media. The book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the methods and protocols used in cancer stem cell research, which has become a crucial area in understanding and treating cancer. The editors and contributors, including prominent researchers from various institutions, have compiled a collection of techniques and protocols that cover the identification, characterization, and therapeutic targeting of cancer stem cells. The book begins with an introduction to the concept of cancer stem cells, explaining their role in tumor initiation and recurrence. It then delves into specific methods for isolating and characterizing cancer stem cells from different types of tumors, such as leukemia, brain tumors, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, and pituitary adenomas. Each chapter provides detailed protocols for techniques like xenotransplantation, methylation profiling, and immunologic targeting. The book also explores the genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie the self-renewal and differentiation of cancer stem cells, including the expression of ABC transporters, antiapoptosis proteins, and DNA repair checkpoint proteins. It discusses the challenges and controversies in the field, such as the use of cell surface markers and the formation of neurospheres, and highlights the potential of using normal stem cells to treat cancer. Overall, the book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer stem cells, emphasizing the importance of these cells in cancer initiation, propagation, and resistance to conventional therapies.This book, titled "Cancer Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols," is edited by John S. Yu and published by Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media. The book aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the methods and protocols used in cancer stem cell research, which has become a crucial area in understanding and treating cancer. The editors and contributors, including prominent researchers from various institutions, have compiled a collection of techniques and protocols that cover the identification, characterization, and therapeutic targeting of cancer stem cells. The book begins with an introduction to the concept of cancer stem cells, explaining their role in tumor initiation and recurrence. It then delves into specific methods for isolating and characterizing cancer stem cells from different types of tumors, such as leukemia, brain tumors, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, and pituitary adenomas. Each chapter provides detailed protocols for techniques like xenotransplantation, methylation profiling, and immunologic targeting. The book also explores the genetic and molecular mechanisms that underlie the self-renewal and differentiation of cancer stem cells, including the expression of ABC transporters, antiapoptosis proteins, and DNA repair checkpoint proteins. It discusses the challenges and controversies in the field, such as the use of cell surface markers and the formation of neurospheres, and highlights the potential of using normal stem cells to treat cancer. Overall, the book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer stem cells, emphasizing the importance of these cells in cancer initiation, propagation, and resistance to conventional therapies.