This volume presents the most current reviews on how cancer stem cells (CSCs) hypothesis dictates that the continued proliferation of a tumor is dependent on a sub-population of self-renewing and asymmetrically dividing neoplastic stem cells that supply a largely differentiated tumor. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of CSCs, their role in central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and the recent CSC-specific treatment modalities being used.   The emerging focus on CSCs in brain tumors represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of the pathogenesis of these neoplasms. Importantly, the realization that a distinct sub-population of cells contributes disproportionately to the growth and sustenance of central nervous system tumors has important implications for the treatment of such tumors. To treat CNS tumors, there is now a growing need to treat CSCs to achieve adequate tumor control.

Moneeb Ehtesham, M.D. is a Principal Investigator at the Department of Neurological Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. His research focuses on cellular therapies on malignant gliomas. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed publications, 3 book chapters, and 38 peer-reviewed abstracts/presentations. He has received over 1260 citations. Dr. Ehtesham has been awarded the Young Investigator Award (2003) by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons & Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He's also been listed in "Who's Who in Stem Cell Research" by DataTrend Publications. Imad Khan, M.D. is a Research Associate at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. His research focuses on therapies for neurosurgical diseases and disorders. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed publications, 3 book chapters, and over 40 peer-reviewed abstracts/presentations.