Inhibition of Notch signaling reduces the stem-like population of breast cancer cells and prevents mammosphere formation.

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be responsible for breast cancer formation and recurrence; therefore, therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs must be developed. One approach may be targeting signaling pathways, like Notch, that are involved in stem cell self-renewal and survival.

Materials And Methods: Breast cancer stem-like cells derived from cell lines and patient samples were examined for Notch expression and activation.