How are Hematopoietic Stem Cells Related to Cancer?
Hematopoietic stem cells can be involved in several types of cancer, most notably leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These cancers originate in the blood-forming tissues, primarily the bone marrow, where HSCs reside. Mutations or genetic alterations in HSCs can lead to the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal blood cells, resulting in malignancies. Understanding the role of HSCs in these cancers is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.