The disclosure provides methods for determining the self-renewal potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC), or for predicting the drugability (susceptibility to a drug) of a CSC, and/or for predicting the progression of a cancer that corresponds to the CSC. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for determining whether a CSC in a niche is more pro-apoptotic or more anti-apoptotic in relation to a normal stem cell or a CSC from another niche. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for determining the prognosis or malignant potential of a cancer. In alternative embodiments, the disclosure provides methods determining the anti-apoptotic versus a pro-apoptotic potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC).
