Year: 2007
Type: editorial
Abstract: The 'cancer stem cell hypothesis' posits that cancers, including breast cancer, arise in tissue stem or progenitor cells. If this is the case, then it follows that the risk for developing breast cancer may be determined in part by the number of breast stem/progenitor cells that can serve as targets for transformation. Stem cell number may be set during critical windows of development, including in utero, adolescence, and pregnancy. The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis may play an important role in regulating breast stem cell number during these developmental windows, suggesting an important link between this signaling pathway and breast cancer risk.
Source: Breast Cancer Research
DOI: 10.1186/bcr1741
Authors: Christophe Ginestier, Max S Wicha
Institutions: University of Michigan, U-M Rogel Cancer Center
Language: English
Topic: Cancer Risks and Factors
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
OpenAlex ID: W2092407402