Cancer stem cells and cancer therapy |
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Authors: | Sara Soltanian Maryam M Matin |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran;(2) Cell and Molecular Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; |
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Abstract: | Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumour cells that possess the stem cell properties of self-renewal and differentiation.
Stem cells might be the target cells responsible for malignant transformation, and tumour formation may be a disorder of stem
cell self-renewal pathway. Epigenetic alterations and mutations of genes involved in signal transmissions may promote the
formation of CSCs. These cells have been identified in many solid tumours including breast, brain, lung, prostate, testis,
ovary, colon, skin, liver, and also in acute myeloid leukaemia. The CSC theory clarifies not only the issue of tumour initiation,
development, metastasis and relapse, but also the ineffectiveness of conventional cancer therapies. Treatments directed against
the bulk of the cancer cells may produce striking responses but they are unlikely to result in long-term remissions if the
rare CSCs are not targeted. In this review, we consider the properties of CSCs and possible strategies for controlling the
viability and tumourigenecity of these cells, including therapeutic models for selective elimination of CSCs and induction
of their proper differentiation. |
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