Loss of CD24 promotes radiation‑ and chemo‑resistance by inducing stemness properties associated with a hybrid E/M state in breast cancer cells.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) serve an essential role in failure of conventional antitumor therapy. In breast cancer, CD24/CD44 phenotype and high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity are associated with CSC subtypes. Furthermore, CD24/CD44 pattern is also characteristic of mesenchymal cells generated by epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT).