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This book explores the importance of cancer stem cells and their usage. Cancer is a serious health issue that affects people all over the world. Numerous studies back up the theory that stem cells play a role in cancer development. The population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibits tumorigenic potential and possesses stem cell-specific markers and characteristics, such as self-renewal/proliferation and differentiation. Carcinogenesis may be significantly influenced by CSCs. Currently, treatment techniques concentrate on eliminating the CSC subpopulation using various methods, such as bypassing CSC resistance mechanisms or focussing on important biochemical pathways that govern these cells. New approaches are still required even though the negative effects of current treatment approaches are minimal. The information that has been gathered on the stem cell theory of carcinogenesis, the impact of dysregulated stem cell self-renewal on cancer transformation, and the functions of CSCs in cancer treatment are presented in this book. We also discuss how a deeper comprehension of the biology, behaviour, and environment of CSCs can advance the use of these cells in cancer therapy and lead to the development of more potent cancer treatment plans. Given its scope, Cancer Stem Cells and Cancer Therapy is an indispensable resource not only for researchers working in the field of human biology and cancer research but also for advanced students seeking an introduction to cancer stem cells and their therapeutic usage.

Epigenetic alterations are heritable changes that play a key role in human development and tissue-specific gene expression patterns. These changes can lead to alterations involved in tumor formation, imprinting, and metabolic disorders. Recent advances can help us understand the importance of epigenetic changes in both cancer development and tumor progression. In addition, epigenetic alterations may also be useful diagnostic and prognostic markers for the analysis of tumor progression.Split into two parts, the book opens with a comprehensive overview of the identification and analysis of epigenetic changes in cancer and the consequences of such changes during tumor development. The second part focusses on cancer specific epigenetic alterations and discusses the potential use of epigenetic markers as biomarkers in diagnosis, early cancer progression, and prognosis. Moreover, it reviews the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs. Given its scope, Cancer Epigenetics is an indispensable resource not only for researchers working in the field of human epigenetics and cancer research but also for advanced students seeking for an introduction into epigenetic mechanisms.