FIELD: biochemistry.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to biochemistry. What is described is extraction of cancer cell, which resists chemotherapeutic agent and has properties, including stem cell expression OST4. Encapsulated cancer cell detection in sample containing agarose coated agarose granule. Granules are brought in contact with at least one anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent for period of time sufficient for death of at least part of cells. Removed any surviving cells of above granules. Determined in said surviving cells at least one property of stem cells. Separated cancer cells which express OST4 from cells do not have such property. Also disclosed is method of determining whether substance of interest, has activity against cancer stem cells. That is brought into contact cancer stem cells, encapsulated in containing agarose coated agarose granule, with above substance. Comparing number of remaining cells with number of cancer stem cells contained in equivalent granule, not given in contact with said substance. Presence of smaller number of cells containing agarose coated agarose granule testifies to activity of said substance against cancer stem cells.
EFFECT: invention extends range of agents and methods of treating cancer.
5 cl, 4 ex
