Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Isolation of Cancer Stem Cells From Human Prostate Cancer Samples
07:16

Isolation of Cancer Stem Cells From Human Prostate Cancer Samples

Published on: March 14, 2014

Prostate tumor-initiating cells: a new target for telomerase inhibition therapy?

Calin O Marian1, Jerry W Shay

  • 1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Cell Biology, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA. calin.marian@southwestern.edu

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|March 7, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Targeting cancer stem cells in prostate cancer is crucial. Combining conventional therapies with telomerase inhibitors may offer more durable responses by eliminating resistant cells.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Conventional prostate cancer therapies can leave resistant cancer stem cells.
  • These cells are linked to cancer relapse and tumor recurrence.
  • Telomerase is active in most cancers, including prostate cancer, and in cancer stem cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting telomerase as a target in prostate cancer.
  • To explore the potential of combining telomerase inhibitors with conventional therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on prostate cancer, cancer stem cells, and telomerase.
  • Analysis of the role of telomerase in tumor-initiating cells.
  • Evaluation of combination therapy strategies.

Main Results:

  • Cancer stem cells possess significant telomerase activity.
  • Telomerase inhibition presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
  • Combination therapy may enhance treatment efficacy and durability.

Conclusions:

  • Telomerase-positive cancer stem cells are a viable target for prostate cancer treatment.
  • Combining conventional treatments with telomerase inhibitors could lead to improved patient outcomes.

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