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Published on: January 26, 2019
Apoptosis in normal and cancer stem cells
Gioacchin Iannolo1, Concetta Conticello, Lorenzo Memeo
1Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Catania, Italy.
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|November 24, 2007
Summary
Cancer stem cells drive tumor growth and are key targets for new cancer therapies. Understanding their apoptotic machinery, similar to normal stem cells, is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Apoptosis Research
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are identified in various human malignancies, including breast, brain, and gastrointestinal tumors.
- CSCs are implicated in tumor growth, maintenance, and disease recurrence.
- Their biological properties resemble normal adult stem cells, particularly in haematological malignancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cancer stem cells in neoplastic diseases.
- To explore the apoptotic machinery of stem cells in the context of cancer therapy.
- To discuss the apoptotic responses of hematopoietic and neural stem cells to cancer treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on stem cell biology and cancer research.
- Analysis of existing data on cancer stem cell identification and characteristics.
- Examination of apoptotic mechanisms in normal and cancer stem cells.
Main Results:
- Cancer stem cells are crucial for tumor progression and are a focus for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Knowledge of stem cell apoptosis is vital for developing targeted cancer therapies.
- Hematopoietic and neural stem cells exhibit specific apoptotic responses to various cancer treatments.
Conclusions:
- Targeting cancer stem cells holds promise for eradicating neoplastic diseases.
- Understanding stem cell apoptosis is essential for advancing targeted cancer therapy.
- Further research into CSC apoptotic pathways may lead to more effective cancer treatments.
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