Ovarian cancer stem cells: A target for oncological therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ovarian cancer treatment failures, including relapse and metastasis, are often attributed to a small population of cancer stem cells (CSCs).
• These CSCs possess resistance to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy, contributing to therapeutic challenges.
• CSCs are implicated in tumor initiation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of specific agents in eradicating ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs).
• To discuss the role of salinomycin, metformin, and Clostridium perfringens in targeting CSCs.
• To examine the controversial effects of anti-angiogenic factors on CSCs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating CSCs in ovarian cancer.
• Analysis of research on salinomycin, metformin, and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) effects on CSCs.
• Evaluation of data on anti-angiogenic therapy in relation to CSCs and metastasis.

Main Results:

• Salinomycin, an antibiotic from Streptomyces albus, demonstrated CSC-eradicating effects in ovarian and breast cancer models.
• Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has shown efficacy in destroying ovarian CSCs both in vitro and in vivo.
• Metformin was found to reduce CSC populations, inhibit cancer cell proliferation, and affect angiogenesis.
• The role of VEGFR1+ CSCs in circulating tumor cells and metastasis formation was noted.
• The impact of anti-angiogenic therapy on CSC populations remains controversial, with both positive and negative effects documented.

Conclusions:

• Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) is a critical strategy for overcoming ovarian cancer treatment resistance.
• Salinomycin, metformin, and Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin represent promising therapeutic avenues for CSC eradication.
• Further research is needed to clarify the role and application of anti-angiogenic factors in conjunction with CSC-targeting therapies.