Targeting Lung Cancer Stem Cells: Research and Clinical Impacts

Abstract

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, accounting for 1.8 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths in 2012. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is one of two types of lung cancer, accounts for 85–90% of all lung cancers. Despite advances in therapy, lung cancer still remains a leading cause of death. Cancer relapse and dissemination after treatment indicates the existence of a niche of cancer cells that are not fully eradicated by current therapies. These chemoresistant populations of cancer cells are called cancer stem cells (CSCs) because they possess the self-renewal and differentiation capabilities similar to those of normal stem cells. Targeting the niche of CSCs in combination with chemotherapy might provide a promising strategy to eradicate these cells. Thus, understanding the characteristics of CSCs has become a focus of studies of NSCLC therapies.

Lung cancer stem cells—origin, characteristics and therapy

“…The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating morphogenesis, homeostasis and repair of stem cells in the adult human body. This pathway was found to be activated in both types of lung cancer-small cell and non-small cell lung cancer (46). It was discovered that HH pathway can increase the chemoresistance thereby causing failures of chemotherapy in lung cancers.…”

Phase I study of salazosulfapyridine in combination with cisplatin and pemetrexed for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer

“…Treatment strategies that target CSCs are therefore being pursued in order to improve outcomes in cancer patients. Markers for CSCs are thought to include CD44, CD133, CD90, and aldehyde dehydrogenase, but no agents that specifically target CSCs have yet been established …”

“…Markers for CSCs are thought to include CD44, CD133, CD90, and aldehyde dehydrogenase, but no agents that specifically target CSCs have yet been established. (4) CD44 is an adhesion molecule for the ECM and is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including tumor cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. (5,6) It has also been identified as a cell surface marker for CSCs of solid tumors.…”

Establishment of a prospective multicenter cohort for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer in China (CAPTRA‐Lung study)

“…There are an estimated 733 000 new cases of lung cancer in China per year . Among these, non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85–90% of all lung cancer cases . Most NSCLC patients are diagnosed at advanced or metastatic stage, with only 20% eligible for surgical treatment with a curative intent…”

“…2 Among these, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 85-90% of all lung cancer cases. 3 Most NSCLC patients are diagnosed at advanced or metastatic stage, with only 20% eligible for surgical treatment with a curative intent. 1 Over the last decade, the therapeutic regimen options for advanced NSCLC have greatly increased.…”