THERAPEUTIC AND DIAGNOSTIC METHODS RELATING TO CANCER STEM CELLS

摘要

Genes that are deregulated in cancer stem cells (e.g., melanoma stem cells) are disclosed. Methods which involve involve modulating (e.g., inducing, inhibiting, etc.) the activity of the cancer stem cell associated genes are used to treat individuals having melanoma. Cell surface genes that are upregulated in melanoma stem cells are targeted for the selective isolation, detection, and killing of cancer stem cells in melanoma.