Cancer Stem Cells

Abstract

The cancer stem cell model in solid tumors has evolved significantly from the early paradigm shifting work highlighting parallels between the stem cell hierarchy in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Putative stem cells can dedifferentiated, be induced by context, and be the result of accumulated genetic mutations. The simple hypothesis that stem cell therapies will overcome the minority of cells that lead to recurrence has evolved with it. Nevertheless, the body of evidence that this field is clinically relevant in patients and patient care has grown with the complexity of the hypotheses, and numerous clinical strategies to target these cells have been identified. Herein we review this progress and highlight the work still outstanding.

Survival Mechanisms and Influence Factors of Circulating Tumor Cells

“…Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are special types of cell populations in tumors with stem cell properties such as self-renewal, unlimited proliferation, and indirect differentiation potential [ 28 ]. Few CTCs that possess stem cell properties in the peripheral blood are termed as circulating tumor stem cells (CTSCs).…”

siRNA‐induced CD44 knockdown suppresses the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer stem cells through inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition

“…Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small and elusive population of undifferentiated cancer cells that are characterized by self‐renewal capability, clonogenic growth and long‐term repopulation potential. 1 This subpopulation of tumor cells has been identified in multiple types of cancers, 2 including colorectal cancer, 3 one of the most common malignancies with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. 4 …”