Cancer stem cells and chemoradiation resistance

The pyridinylfuranopyrimidine inhibitor, PI-103, chemosensitizes glioblastoma cells for apoptosis by inhibiting DNA repair

“…These cells are considered to be highly resistant to therapy and their presence has been frequently cited as a likely cause for tumor relapse (Ishii et al, 2008). Furthermore, this PI-103-mediated increase in chemosensitivity is most likely of clinical relevance, as we also observed increased apoptosis after a combination therapy of doxorubicin and PI-103 in primary GBM cells derived from patients.…”

Oncolytic adenoviruses targeted to cancer stem cells

“…Recently, a direct link between EMT and the gain of epithelial CSC properties has been proposed in the breast cancer context during cancer invasion and metastasis (31). The unusual combination of EMT with stem cell competence may define a CSC subtype that is migratory and initiates tumor invasion and metastasis (4,32). The relationship of CSCs and the EMT phenomena seems to be critical for tumor progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance (33).…”

“…From the viewpoint of disease phenotype, CSCs embody the refractory nature observed among many cancers; very competent initial tumor establishment (1) and extremely aggressive metastatic nature (2). Furthermore, recent discoveries indicate that CSCs embody chemo-and radioresistance (3,4), and have been correlated with advanced disease and resistance to current therapies (2), and thus help explain the clinical treatment resistance of these cancers. As CSCs are critical for tumor initiation, progression, persistence, and the development of metastasis, the success or failure of cancer treatment approaches may be influenced greatly by the presence and treatment sensitivity of these cells.…”

Molecular signature of cancer stem cells isolated from prostate carcinoma and expression of stem markers in different Gleason grades and metastasis

“…For these reasons, many authors have called them cancer stem cells (CSCs). In recent years, CSCs were identifi ed in several cancers, including PCa, and have been proposed to explain the metastatic capacity, recurrence, and resistance to hormone, radio and chemotherapy (Gao 2008;Ishii et al 2008;Li et al 2007). In established cell lines from PCa origin, particularly from metastasis, CSCs have been identified and isolated using diff erent approaches, such as fl ow cytometry, magneticassociated cell sorting (MACS), the ability of differential cloning and sphere growing under non-adherent culture conditions (Collins and Maitland 2006;Collins et al 2005;Miki and Rhim 2008;Miki et al 2007;Tang et al 2007).…”