Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are rare immortal cells within a tumor that can self-renew and drive tumorigenesis. CSCs play a pivotal role in the tumor development, progression and relapse, as well as in the resistance of anticancer therapy. Different tools could help in the analysis of CSCs, especially Immunohistochemistry (IHC) represents a useful technique able to identify several specific CSC markers. The main aims of this chapter are the description of the explain immunohistochemical methods used in the characterization of CSCs. Furthermore, focus on the most common troubleshooting in CSCs IHC is provided, especially the pitfalls of the CSCs markers IHC on tissue microarrays.
Anaplastic lymphoma tyrosine kinase (ALK) gene could be an attractive oncotarget in human cancers, since it is involved in several genetic alterations resulting in an aberrant activity of the receptor. To date, ALK-rearrangement represents a molecular target for the treatment of ALK-rearranged Non Small Cell Lung Cancer patients, who are highly sensitive to crizotinib, a specific inhibitor. ALK-rearranged patients treated with crizotinib show relevant clinical implications, however several different resistance mechanisms have been identified. Here we review various critical issues related to ALK-targeting therapy, including ALK gene aberrations, methods of detection, mechanism of acquired resistance and second-generation ALK inhibitors.
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