[Cancer therapy targeting cancer stem cell]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Stem Cell Research

Context:

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a critical subpopulation driving tumor recurrence and therapy resistance.
• CSCs possess self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation capabilities, contributing to minimal residual disease.
• Conventional cancer therapies often fail to eliminate CSCs, leading to relapse.

Purpose:

• To highlight the clinical significance of targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) for complete cancer eradication.
• To review current strategies and identified molecules/drugs targeting CSCs.
• To identify the need for further clarification of precise molecular mechanisms for clinical application.

Summary:

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor cells with self-renewal and differentiation potential, crucial in drug resistance and cancer relapse.
• Targeting CSCs is a key challenge for eradicating minimal residual cancer.
• Investigated targets include signal transduction pathways, cell surface markers, and microenvironmental factors, with drugs like salinomycin and metformin identified, though molecular mechanisms need further elucidation.

Impact:

• Advances in targeting CSCs could lead to more effective cancer treatments with reduced relapse rates.
• Understanding CSC molecular mechanisms is vital for developing precise therapies against drug-resistant cancers.
• This research informs the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at eliminating the root cause of cancer recurrence.