CD133 Positive Cells in Rhabdomyosarcoma Are More Tumorigenic and Chemoresistant
Author Information
Author(s): Walter Dagmar, Satheesha Sampoorna, Albrecht Patrick, Bornhauser Beat C., D'Alessandro Valentina, Oesch Susanne M., Rehrauer Hubert, Leuschner Ivo, Koscielniak Ewa, Gengler Carole, Moch Holger, Bernasconi Michele, Niggli Felix K., Schäfer Beat W.
Primary Institution: Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
Hypothesis
The study aims to identify and characterize a cancer stem cell (CSC) population in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (eRMS).
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that CD133+ cells in rhabdospheres are more tumorigenic and resistant to chemotherapy, suggesting CD133 as a potential prognostic marker for eRMS.
Supporting Evidence
- CD133+ sorted cells were shown to be more tumorigenic and resistant to commonly used chemotherapeutics.
- High expression of CD133 correlates with poor overall survival in eRMS patients.
- Rhabdospheres formed from eRMS cells are enriched in a CD133+ CSC population.
Takeaway
Researchers found that a special type of cell in a childhood cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma can grow into tumors much faster and resist treatments better than other cells.
Methodology
The study used cell culture methods to grow rhabdomyosarcoma cells in specific media, performed xenograft experiments in mice, and analyzed gene expression through real-time PCR.
Potential Biases
Potential bias may arise from the selection of cell lines and the experimental conditions that may not fully represent the clinical setting.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable to all rhabdomyosarcoma cases due to the specific cell lines and conditions used.
Participant Demographics
76 eRMS patients, 43 male and 33 female, aged from a few months to 22 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0272
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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