NZ 603949 Disclosed is a method for isolating a chemotherapeutic agent resistant cancer cell with stem cell properties, comprising: encapsulating a sample of cancer cells in an agarose coated, agarose containing bead； contacting said bead with at least one anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent for a time sufficient to kill at least a portion of said cancer cells； removing any surviving cells from said bead； assaying said surviving cell for at least one stem cell property； and isolating any cells which exhibit said stem cell property from any cells which do not. Also disclosed is a method for determining if a substance of interest has anti-cancer efficacy and anti-cancer stem cell activity as defined in the complete specification.
