Cancer Stem Cells

The cancer stem cell theory states that tumor growth is driven by a small number of dedicated cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells are endowed with the ability to self-renew (leading to unlimited cell division and maintenance of the stem cell pool), differentiate into non-CSCs and are intrinsically resistant to conventional therapeutics. This theory explains the clinical observations of almost inevitable tumor relapse after initially successful chemo and/or radiotherapy, and metastasis. This module reviews the biology of CSCs and provides insights into CSC plasticity, interaction with the niche, tumor repopulation and clinical implications of therapeutic response.     

Learning Objectives

• Explain the difference between the clonal evolution model and the CSC model
• Define a stem cell
• List the key characteristics of a CSCs
• Define cellular plasticity and explain why it is important within the tumor
• Describe the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
• Explain the Warburg effect

Presenters

• Professor David Argyle, PhD 
  • William Dick Chair of Veterinary Clinical Studies
  • The University of Edinburgh
• Lisa Pang, PhD 
  • Research Fellow at The Roslin Institute
  • The University of Edinburgh
  • University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

The ACVIM has developed nine (9) Science of Veterinary Oncology (SOVO) online courses that are currently available and complimentary for ACVIM members with five (5) more in development and coming soon. These modules offer foundational building blocks of core knowledge areas pertaining to veterinary oncology and were developed based on the Job Task Analysis review performed in 2016. All modules are led by industry experts and each module is RACE-approved. 

All Sessions:

• Cancer Bioenergetics - Douglass H. Thamm, VMD, DACVIM (Oncology)
• Cancer Stem Cells - Professor David Argyle, PhD and Lisa Pang, PhD 
• Cell Signaling and Signal Transduction Inhibitors - Cheryl London, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology) 
• Discovery and Evaluation of Anticancer Drugs - David Lowery, PhD 
• Epigenetics of Cancer - Jeffrey Bryan, DVM, MS, Phd, DACVIM (Oncology) 
• Genomic Instability - Kelly R. Hume, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
• Invasion and Metastasis - Robert B. Rebhun, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology)
• Pharmacology of Cancer Drugs and Resistance - Luke Wittenburg, DVM, PhD, DACVCP 
• Tumor Microenvironment - Jamie Modiano, VMD, PhD