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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
Radiosensitivity of Cancer Stem Cells in Lung Cancer Cell Lines
Published on: August 21, 2019
Cancer Stem Cells: From Bench to Bedside
Richard J Jones1, William Matsui
1Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins.
Abstract:
Objective clinical responses to anticancer treatments often do not translate into substantial improvements in overall survival. Recent data suggesting many cancers arise from rare self-renewing cells (cancer stem cells) that are biologically distinct from their more numerous differentiated progeny, may explain this paradox. Current anticancer therapies have been developed to target the bulk of the tumor mass (i.e., the differentiated cancer cells). Although treatments directed against the bulk of the cancer may produce dramatic responses, they are unlikely to result in long-term remissions if the rare cancer stem cells are also not targeted. Better understanding the biology of cancer stem cells as well reexamining both our preclinical and clinical drug development paradigms to include the cancer stem cell concept, have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of many cancers.
Insights
Many cancers originate from rare cancer stem cells, not just bulk tumor cells. Targeting these stem cells is crucial for long-term cancer remission and improved survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Clinical responses to anticancer treatments often fail to improve overall survival.
- This discrepancy may be explained by the cancer stem cell hypothesis.
- Cancer stem cells are rare, self-renewing cells distinct from bulk tumor cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of cancer stem cells in cancer treatment.
- To explain the limitations of current therapies targeting bulk tumor cells.
- To advocate for the integration of the cancer stem cell concept into drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent data on cancer stem cell biology.
- Analysis of current anticancer treatment paradigms.
- Discussion of preclinical and clinical drug development strategies.
Main Results:
- Current therapies targeting bulk tumor cells yield temporary responses but not long-term survival.
- Cancer stem cells are resistant to conventional treatments.
- Targeting cancer stem cells is essential for achieving durable remissions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding cancer stem cell biology is critical for advancing cancer therapy.
- Revising drug development to include cancer stem cells can revolutionize cancer treatment.
- A shift towards targeting cancer stem cells offers potential for substantial improvements in patient outcomes.
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