Mammary cancer stem cells reinitiation assessment at the metastatic niche: the lung and bone.

ABSTRACT

Mammary cancer stem cells (MCSC) have been operationally defined as cells that re-form secondary tumors upon transplantation into immunodeficient mice. Building on this observation, it has also been suggested that MCSCs are responsible for metastasis as well as evasion and resistance to therapeutic treatments. MCSC reinitiating potential is usually tested by implantation of limited amounts of cells orthotopically or subcutaneously, yet this poorly recapitulates the metastatic niche where truly metastatic reinitiation will occur. Herein, we describe the implantation of small amounts of MCSC selected populations in the bone (intra tibiae injection) and the lung (intra thoracic injection) to test for their metastatic reinitiation capabilities.