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Updated: May 27, 2026
Isolation and Functional Assessment of Human Breast Cancer Stem Cells from Cell and Tissue Samples
Published on: October 2, 2020
Developmental pathways in breast cancer and breast tumor-initiating cells: therapeutic implications
Julia Izrailit1, Michael Reedijk
1Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, Ontario Cancer Institute, 620 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2M9.
Abstract:
The recognition of breast cancer as a molecularly heterogeneous disease where individual tumors display cellular hierarchy containing "primitive" stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and their derivatives, has directed efforts towards the development of personalized targeted therapies based on the characteristics of individual cancers. Targeted therapies are designed to attack processes that uniquely support cancer progression, including maintenance of TICs, invasion, metastasis, cell survival and tumor-related angiogenesis and thereby result in less collateral damage than conventional chemotherapy. Recently, it has been demonstrated that pathways such as Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt and Notch, which regulate development during embryonic life and somatic stem cells (SCs) in the adult organism, can be reactivated in malignancies and support the TIC compartment. Herein, we review the role of developmental pathways in stem cell biology and provide an up-to-date survey of pre-clinical and clinical trials of novel strategies to target them.
Insights
Breast cancer is a complex disease with a hierarchy of cells, including stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TICs). Targeting developmental pathways like Hedgehog, Wnt, and Notch offers a promising approach for personalized cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer exhibits molecular heterogeneity with a cellular hierarchy.
- Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are crucial for cancer progression and recurrence.
- Targeted therapies aim to selectively attack cancer-specific processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of developmental pathways in stem cell biology.
- To survey pre-clinical and clinical trials targeting these pathways in cancer.
- To highlight novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on developmental pathways (Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch).
- Analysis of pre-clinical and clinical trial data for targeted therapies.
- Synthesis of information on stem cell biology and cancer stem cells.
Main Results:
- Developmental pathways are reactivated in malignancies, supporting the TIC compartment.
- Targeting these pathways offers a strategy for personalized cancer treatment.
- Novel therapeutic strategies show promise in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- Understanding developmental pathways in TICs is key to advancing breast cancer therapy.
- Targeting these pathways represents a significant step towards personalized medicine.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize the potential of these targeted therapies.
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