| abstract |
A functional molecule involved in the regulation of cancer stem cells is newly identified. Thus, disclosed are: a technique for detecting cancer stem cells accurately; and a technique for inducing the apoptosis of cancer stem cells to completely cure cancer. CD13 is involved in the regulation of an active oxygen species removal pathway in a cancer stem cell, and is therefore a molecule essential to the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Therefore, cancer stem cells can be detected accurately using CD13 as an indicator. Further, the radical treatment of cancer (particularly liver cancer and gastrointestinal cancer) can be achieved using a CD13 inhibitor and an anti-cancer agent or a radiation therapy in combination. |