Radiotherapy targeting cancer stem cells: current views and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Radiotherapy

Background:

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) possess stem cell properties and are implicated in treatment resistance and tumor recurrence.
• CSCs exhibit inherent resistance to conventional therapies like radiation, hindering complete tumor eradication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mechanisms of radioresistance in CSCs.
• To identify potential biomarkers predicting radiotherapy response.
• To explore novel therapies targeting CSCs in conjunction with radiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published reports on CSC radioresistance, markers, and therapies.
• Analysis of mechanisms contributing to CSC radioresistance (self-renewal, DNA repair, ROS defenses).
• Identification of cell-surface markers (e.g., CD133, CD144) and therapeutic targets (e.g., self-renewal pathways, CSC niche).

Main Results:

• CSCs exhibit radioresistance via enhanced self-renewal, DNA repair, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) defenses.
• Cell-surface markers like CD133 and CD144 may serve as prognostic factors for radiotherapy outcomes.
• Potential therapeutic strategies include targeting CSC self-renewal pathways, the CSC niche, and novel treatments like carbon ion radiotherapy and (64)Cu-ATSM.

Conclusions:

• Understanding CSC radioresistance mechanisms is key to developing effective cancer treatments.
• Targeting CSCs, alongside conventional radiotherapy, is essential for achieving complete tumor eradication.
• Further research into CSC regulatory pathways will uncover new therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies.