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Cancer stem cell markers: what is their diagnostic value?
Chia-Ying Lin1, Lin Wang, Khoi Than
1University of Michigan Medical School, Spine Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Biomedical Science Research Building, Room 5007, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA +1734 615 0371 ; +1734 763 7322 ; lincy@umich.edu.
Identifying cancer stem cells (CSCs) remains a challenge, as no universal marker exists. While aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is a simple marker, cell surface antigens are frequently targeted therapeutically, potentially improving patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in therapy resistance.
- A universal CSC marker is currently lacking, hindering targeted treatment development.
- Improved CSC identification could lead to more effective cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize CSC markers.
- To explore the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of identified CSC markers.
Main Methods:
- Focused literature review of CSC identification studies.
- Databases searched: MEDLINE and Web of Science (up to 2009).
Main Results:
- No universal CSC marker applicable to all cancers has been identified.
- Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity offers a simple identification method.
- Cell surface antigens are the most frequently studied for therapeutic CSC targeting.
Conclusions:
- Current CSC identification methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
- Targeting CSCs therapeutically holds promise for improving cancer patient prognosis.
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