A Possible Explanation for the Variable Frequencies of Cancer Stem Cells in Tumors

A controversy surrounds the frequency of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in solid tumors. Initial studies indicated that these cells had a frequency ranging from [Image: see text] to [Image: see text] of the total cells. Recent studies have shown that this does not always seem to be the case. Some of these studies have indicated a frequency of [Image: see text]. In this paper we propose a stochastic model that is able to capture this potential variability in the frequency of CSCs among the various type of tumors. Considerations regarding the heterogeneity of the tumor cells and its consequences are included. Possible effects on conventional treatments in clinical practice are also described. The model results suggest that traditional attempts to combat cancer cells with rapid cycling can be very stimulating for the cancer stem cell populations.