Dynamic regulation of cancer stem cells and clinical challenges

Clin Transl Oncol. 2013 Apr;15(4):253-8. doi: 10.1007/s12094-012-0927-7. Epub 2012 Aug 28.

Abstract

A small population of cancer cells referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs) have received particular attention, as they have been revealed to acquire stem cell-like properties and become the main cause of tumor propagation, metastasis and drug resistance. The CSC theory of tumor formation was believed to follow the hierarchical model initially, and therefore many CSC-targeted therapy methods were expected to cure cancer by eradicating CSCs. However, subsequent CSC research has revealed that rather than a distinct entity, the CSC is a dynamic status that can be continually dedifferentiated from progenitor or differentiated cancer cells. Elucidation of this bidirectional transition mechanism would help perfect the CSC theory and be of great value in the development of more effective anti-cancer drugs. Here, we reviewed the mechanisms of reciprocal conversion between non-CSCs and CSCs. Moreover, several approaches of target CSCs and non-CSCs together with unbiased eradication of all cancer cells are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Dedifferentiation / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / physiology
  • Epigenesis, Genetic / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / physiology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents