Hallmarks of cancer stemness

Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined “cancer stem cells” (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research. Cancer stemness, regarded as a crucial factor in tumor development, has been recognized to involve a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic interactions between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their niche. Herein, we provide a summary of the defining and emerging hallmarks of CSCs and/or cancer stemness.