Review article: cancer stem cells: from identification to eradication

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation within tumors responsible for neoplastic growth.
• CSCs possess high self-renewal potential, driving tumor formation and exhibiting resistance to conventional therapies.
• The concept of CSCs has evolved over 50 years, with recent evidence confirming their role in tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To deepen the understanding of leukemogenesis and cancer stem cell biology.
• To establish reliable methods for identifying and isolating CSCs.
• To develop targeted therapies for reducing tumor burden and eradicating cancer.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of leukemic cells based on surface markers (CD34+/CD38-).
• Xenotransplantation of isolated cells into NOD/SCID mice to assess tumorigenicity.
• Histological analysis of tumors formed in mice.

Main Results:

• Conclusive evidence for CSCs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) was established in 1997.
• The CD34+/CD38- subpopulation in AML was identified as capable of initiating leukemia in mice.
• These cells, termed SCID Leukemia-Initiating Cells (SLIC), are implicated in disease recurrence and metastasis.

Conclusions:

• CSCs are critical drivers of cancer, responsible for tumor initiation, recurrence, and metastasis.
• Conventional therapies often fail to target dormant CSCs, necessitating the development of specific treatments.
• Targeting CSCs holds promise for achieving minimal residual disease and potentially eradicating tumors.