Table 1 Distinct characteristics between CSCs and non-CSCs

Small amount (0.01–2%), rare within tumors most of the time, but can increase to more than 30% in short time [15]

Large quantity, almost majority within tumors

Self-renewal, multipotency, and symmetric/asymmetric divisions

Limited proliferation and symmetric divisions

Reside predominantly in hypoxic, low pH and low nutrient niches [16]

Stochastic distribution

Dysregulated cell cycle, reversible cellular quiescence capability [17]

None

High tumorigenic capacity

low

Ability to induce therapeutic resistance [18]

The main target of treatment until the emergence of unresponsive cancer cells

Highly responsive to changes in the tumor microenvironment

low

High heterogeneity than non-CSCs counterpart in tumors

Low heterogeneity

Ability to arrange a hierarchy of daughter cells [19]

None