This book represents an up-dated summary of the state of the art of the characterization of cancer stem cell/ cancer initiating cell (CSC/CIC) properties.  An overview of the definition and biological properties of CSCs/CICs as well as the role of these cells in determining the resistance to standard and immune-based therapies is provided. It also discusses limitations in the achievement of a definitive biological characterization of CSCs/CICs due to their high extent of plasticity and heterogeneity that is also mutually driven by the interaction of these cells with the tumor microenvironment. The limitations in targeting CSCs/CICs with immunotherapy are also explained together with explorative combination approaches that could increase the susceptibility of these cells to the recognition by immune cells.

This book is conceived for a broad audience, including students, teachers, scientific experts. The critical revision of available results in terms of immunological profile of CSCs/CICs and the efficacy in targeting these cells by immunological approaches, results in a comprehensive and up to date recapitulation of the field and provides interesting suggestions on how to focus future investigations in order to assess the role of CSCs/CICs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers of responsiveness to therapies for cancer patients.

Cancer Stem Cells: from birth to death.- A Cancer Stem Cell Perspective on Minimal Residual Disease in Solid Malignancies.- Cancer Stem Cells in Lung Cancer: Roots of Drug Resistance and Targets for Novel Therapeutic Strategies.- Overexpression of YY1 Regulates the Resistance of Cancer Stem Cells: Targeting YY1.- Cancer Stem Cell Challenges in Melanoma Characterization and Treatment.- Harnessing the immune system to target cancer cells