Abstract: The present invention provides an invasive cancer stem cell (iCSC) or a substantively homogeneous cell population including said iCSC based on a cell-surface biomarker specifically localizing to the invadopodia of said iCSC. The present invention further provides an invasive leukemia stem cell (iLSC) or a substantively homogeneous cell population including said iLSC based on a cell-surface biomarker specifically localizing to the invadopodia of said iLSC. The present invention also provides a method or a kit of determining a diagnosis of aggressive solid tumor or hematopoietic cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an isolated invasive cancer stem cell (iCSC) or a substantially homogeneous iCSC population comprising said iCSC, which is positive for the marker AMFR on the cell membrane. The present disclosure also provides a method of detecting the iCSC within an established cancer or a collection of cancer cells. The present disclosure also provides a method of isolating the iCSC or a substantially homogeneous cell population comprising said iCSC from an established cancer or a collection of cancer cells.