Because CD133, CD44, and SOX2 are highly related to the drug resistance of CSCs and are used as phenotypic markers for CSC including CRC, treatment with BMX plus TMZ was able to reduce the gene expression levels of CD133, CD44 and SOX2 in a dose-dependent manner in HT29, HCT116, and RKO (Additional file 1: Figure S8). The gene discussed is SOX2; the disease is colorectal carcinoma.