Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can renew themselves and give rise to specialized cell types. Cancer stem cells are stem cells that have acquired mutations, causing uncontrolled growth and improper cell differentiation. Scientists have identified cancer stem cells as the "root" of tumors - when transplanted, most tumor cells die but rare cancer stem cells can regrow new tumors. Cancer stem cells may arise from mutations in normal stem cells. Conventional chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells but not stem cells, allowing cancer stem cells to survive therapy and regrow tumors. New targeted therapies aim to specifically kill cancer stem cells in order to eliminate the source of the cancer.