Provided are methods for treating cancer in a patient, comprising administration of a therapeutically effective regimen of cantharidin or cantharidin analog of formula of formula I, II or IIIwherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R11, R12, A, Y and Z are as set forth herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a patient in need thereof. In some embodiments of the methods, the therapeutically effective regimen stabilizes, reduces or eliminates cancer stem cells. In some embodiments of the methods, the therapeutically effective regimen reduces or eliminates cancer cells.
