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Published on: February 14, 2025
Therapeutic antibodies against cancer stem cells: a promising approach
Smarakan Sneha1, Rohit Pravin Nagare1, Syama Krishna Priya1
1Laboratory for Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Oncology and Clinical Research, Cancer Institute (WIA), 38, Sardar Patel Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 036, India.
Abstract:
Monoclonal antibodies have been extensively used to treat malignancy along with routine chemotherapeutic drugs. Chemotherapy for metastatic cancer has not been successful in securing long-term remission of disease. This is in part due to the resistance of cancer cells to drugs. One aspect of the drug resistance is the inability of conventional drugs to eliminate cancer stem cells (CSCs) which often constitute less than 1-2% of the whole tumor. In some tumor types, it is possible to identify these cells using surface markers. Monoclonal antibodies targeting these CSCs are an attractive option for a new therapeutic approach. Although administering antibodies has not been effective, when combined with chemotherapy they have proved synergistic. This review highlights the potential of improving treatment efficacy using functional antibodies against CSCs, which could be combined with chemotherapy in the future.
Insights
Monoclonal antibodies targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) show promise for improving cancer treatment. Combining these antibodies with chemotherapy may overcome drug resistance and enhance long-term remission rates in metastatic cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Conventional chemotherapy struggles with long-term remission in metastatic cancers.
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to drug resistance and disease relapse.
- CSCs represent a small but critical tumor cell population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of monoclonal antibodies targeting CSCs.
- To explore the combination therapy of antibodies and chemotherapy for improved cancer treatment.
- To highlight strategies for overcoming drug resistance by targeting CSCs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on monoclonal antibodies and cancer stem cells.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
- Evaluation of CSC identification methods and antibody targeting.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies alone have limited efficacy against established tumors.
- Antibody-chemotherapy combinations demonstrate synergistic effects.
- Targeting CSCs with antibodies offers a novel therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- Functional antibodies targeting CSCs hold significant potential for enhancing cancer therapy.
- Combination strategies involving antibodies and chemotherapy may improve treatment outcomes.
- Further research into antibody-based CSC targeting is warranted for future clinical applications.
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