Cancer cells can use many strategies to defeat the normal checks and balances of cell growth and death. Some cancer cells within tumors can resemble stem cells, an idea explored in recent research on the mechanisms of tumor formation, invasion of surrounding tissues, and metastasis.

These concepts were discussed by the researchers who presented at the 22nd Annual International Symposium of the Hunter College Center for Gene Structure and Function, held in New York on January 22, 2009. The day-long symposium included talks that ranged from the genetic differences in cancers among people of different races, to molecular mechanisms used by cancer cells for metastasis and the development of a molecularly targeted therapy for prostate cancer. Along the way, speakers also shed light on the disparities in cancer health care faced by minorities here in the United States and by people living in underdeveloped countries throughout the world.