tained under conditions that support stem cells. This highlights the fact that stochastic influences may be at work within stem-cell populations. Roesch and colleagues’ results will be crucial if the same principles apply to patients’ primary tumours that have not been maintained in culture. The field of cancer-stem-cell research is young and emerging, so it is not surprising that many questions remain. Each study must be carefully assessed, particularly when considering the experimental… CONTINUE READING