Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke identified cancer stem cells in solid tumors, particularly breast cancer, demonstrating that a small subpopulation of CD44+/CD24- cells has tumor-initiating capacity. His work established that cancer stem cells drive tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance in solid tumors. His laboratory characterizes the molecular programs governing cancer stem cell self-renewal and explores therapeutic strategies to eliminate this resistant population. He has contributed significantly to understanding metastatic dormancy and cancer stem cell plasticity.