The invention relates to methods for identifying ER-stress inducing compounds that target cancer stem cells. In some aspects, the invention relates to treatment methods that use ER-stress inducing compounds that specifically target cancer stem cells for inhibiting the growth and/or survival of cancer stem cells in a subject in need thereof. Other aspects of the invention relate to the use of cancer stem cell biomarkers in the selection of a treatment for inhibiting the growth and/or survival of cancer stem cells in a subject in need thereof.
