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Published on: January 26, 2019
Harnessing the apoptotic programs in cancer stem-like cells
Ying-Hua Wang1, David T Scadden2
1Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Elimination of malignant cells is an unmet challenge for most human cancer types even with therapies targeting specific driver mutations. Therefore, a multi-pronged strategy to alter cancer cell biology on multiple levels is increasingly recognized as essential for cancer cure. One such aspect of cancer cell biology is the relative apoptosis resistance of tumor-initiating cells. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms affecting the apoptotic process in tumor cells emphasizing the differences in the tumor-initiating or stem-like cells of cancer. Further, we summarize efforts to exploit these differences to design therapies targeting that important cancer cell population.
Insights
Targeting cancer stem-like cells, which resist apoptosis, is crucial for effective cancer treatment. This review explores mechanisms of apoptosis resistance and therapeutic strategies against these resilient tumor-initiating cells.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Eliminating malignant cells remains a significant challenge in cancer therapy, even with targeted treatments.
- Cancer cells, particularly tumor-initiating cells (TICs), often exhibit resistance to apoptosis, hindering treatment efficacy.
- A multi-level approach altering cancer cell biology is essential for achieving a cancer cure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of mechanisms influencing apoptosis in cancer cells.
- To emphasize the distinct apoptotic processes in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs).
- To summarize therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs by exploiting their unique biology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of mechanisms affecting apoptosis in cancer cells.
- Focus on comparative analysis of apoptosis regulation in TICs versus bulk tumor cells.
- Synthesis of current research on therapeutic exploitation of CSC apoptosis resistance.
Main Results:
- CSCs display unique mechanisms contributing to their relative resistance to apoptosis.
- Understanding these differences is key to developing effective cancer therapies.
- Targeting CSCs offers a promising strategy to overcome treatment resistance.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming apoptosis resistance in cancer stem-like cells is critical for durable cancer remission.
- Therapeutic strategies must address the specific vulnerabilities and resistance mechanisms of CSCs.
- Exploiting CSC-specific pathways represents a vital frontier in cancer treatment development.
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