Potential targets and therapeutics for cancer stem cell-based therapy against drug resistance in hepatocellular...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Oncology
• Cancer Stem Cell Biology
• Drug Resistance Mechanisms

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent digestive malignancy often diagnosed at late stages, leading to poor prognoses.
• Advanced HCC patients face limited therapeutic options due to intrinsic and acquired drug resistance.
• Hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small cell population within HCC tumors, possessing self-renewal and differentiation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of drug resistance in HCC.
• To summarize potential therapeutic targets for CSC-based therapies in HCC.
• To discuss the development of CSC-targeted therapeutics against drug resistance in HCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of drug resistance in HCC.
• Identification and summary of CSC-specific targets.
• Analysis of preclinical and clinical trials for CSC-targeted therapeutics.

Main Results:

• CSCs are recognized contributors to both primary and acquired drug resistance in HCC.
• Targeting hepatic CSCs is a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance.
• Various CSC-targeted therapeutics are under development and evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Understanding CSC-related drug resistance is crucial for optimizing HCC treatment strategies.
• Targeting hepatic CSCs holds potential for improving therapeutic outcomes in HCC.
• Further research into CSC-based therapies may lead to more effective treatments for advanced HCC.