fig1

Figure 1. Two proposed models for the origin of CSCs. The “Stochastic Model” suggests that any tumor cell can become a CSC through cellular plasticity driven by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, reflecting tumor heterogeneity. In contrast, the “Hierarchical Model” posits that normal stem cells acquire genetic mutations through intrinsic or extrinsic influences, transforming them into CSCs. CSC: Cancer stem cell.