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Updated: May 21, 2026
Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies
Published on: June 20, 2015
Therapeutic targeting of cancer stem cells
Marcello Maugeri-Saccà1, Ann Zeuner, Ruggero De Maria
1Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Recent breakthroughs in translational oncology are opening new perspectives for the treatment of cancer. The advent of targeted therapies has provided the proof-of-concept to selectively turn-off deregulated oncogenic proteins, while the identification and validation of predictive biomarkers of response has allowed to improve, at least in some cases, their performance. Moreover, a subpopulation of tumor-propagating cells has been identified from many solid and hematological tumors. These cells share functional properties of normal stem cells, and are commonly referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs). It is emerging that CSCs are defended against broadly used anticancer agents by means of different, partly interconnected, mechanisms. However, CSCs rely on specific pathways involved in self-renewal that can be pharmacologically antagonized by experimental molecular targeted agents, some of which have recently entered early phases of clinical development. Here, we discuss the spectrum of pharmacological strategies under clinical or preclinical development for CSCs targeting.
Insights
Targeted cancer therapies are advancing, with a focus on cancer stem cells (CSCs). New molecular agents aim to block CSC self-renewal pathways, offering novel treatment strategies for various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer treatment is evolving with targeted therapies and predictive biomarkers.
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumor propagation and possess resistance mechanisms.
- CSCs share properties with normal stem cells and are crucial in tumor development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pharmacological strategies targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs).
- To discuss agents in clinical or preclinical development for CSC targeting.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on translational oncology and CSCs.
- Analysis of molecular targeted agents impacting CSC self-renewal pathways.
- Discussion of clinical and preclinical development status of CSC-targeting agents.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies show promise in selectively inhibiting oncogenic proteins.
- CSCs exhibit resistance to conventional anticancer agents through various mechanisms.
- Experimental molecular targeted agents show potential in antagonizing CSC self-renewal pathways.
Conclusions:
- Targeting CSC-specific pathways represents a promising therapeutic strategy.
- Development of molecular targeted agents for CSCs is advancing into clinical trials.
- Novel pharmacological approaches are emerging for improved cancer treatment by targeting CSCs.
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