Therapeutic approaches targeting cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are nowadays one of the major focuses in tumor research since this subpopulation was revealed to be a great obstacle for successful treatment. The identification of CSCs in pediatric solid tumors harbors major challenges because of the immature character of these tumors. Here, we present CD34, CD90, OV-6 and cell-surface vimentin (csVimentin) as reliable markers to identify CSCs in hepatoblastoma cell lines. We were able to identify CSC characteristics for the subset of CD34+CD90+OV-6+csVimentin+-co-expressing cells, such as pluripotency, self-renewal, increased expression of EMT markers and migration. Treatment with Cisplatin as the standard chemotherapeutic drug in hepatoblastoma therapy further revealed the chemo-resistance of this subset, which is a main characteristic of CSCs. When we treated the cells with the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG, we observed a significant reduction in the CSC subset. With our study, we identified CSCs of hepatoblastoma using CD34, CD90, OV-6 and csVimentin. This set of markers could be helpful to estimate the success of novel therapeutic approaches, as resistant CSCs are responsible for tumor relapses.

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Cancer stem cells and oral cancer: insights into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches

Cancer Cell International ◽

10.1186/s12935-020-01192-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ghazaleh Baniebrahimi ◽

Fatemeh Mir ◽

Razieh Khanmohammadi

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Oral Cancer ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Therapeutic Approaches

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Targeting Cancer Stem Cells Pathways for the Effective Treatment of Cancer

Current Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1389450120666190821160730 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 258-278 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ashish Ranjan Dwivedi ◽

Amandeep Thakur ◽

Vijay Kumar ◽

Ira Skvortsova ◽

Vinod Kumar

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Effective Treatment ◽

Single Agent ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Review Article ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Design Synthesis ◽

Complete Eradication ◽

Current Review

Resistance to chemotherapy and relapse are major hurdles for the effective treatment of cancer. Major reason for this is a small sub population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and its microenvironment. CSCs are critical driving force for several types of cancer, such as gastric, colon, breast and many more. Hence, for the complete eradication of cancer, it is necessary to develop therapeutic approaches that can specifically target CSCs. Chemical agents that target different proteins involved in CSC signaling pathways, either as single agent or simultaneously targeting two or more proteins have generated promising pre-clinical and clinical results. In the current review article, we have discussed various targets and cellular pathways that can be explored for the effective and complete eradication of CSCs. Some latest developments in the field of design, synthesis and screening of ligands to target cancer stem cells have been summarized in the current review article.

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Cancer Stem Cells Equipped with Powerful Hedgehog Signaling and Better Epigenetic Memory: Avenues to Look for Cancer Therapeutics

Current Cancer Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1568009619666190808155432 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (11) ◽

pp. 877-884 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ishita Tandon ◽

Asawari Waghmode ◽

Nilesh Kumar Sharma

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Sonic Hedgehog ◽

Hedgehog Signaling ◽

Cancer Therapeutics ◽

Complex Nature ◽

Epigenetic Memory ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

Shh Signaling ◽

Memory Power

Complex nature of the tumor is depicted at the cellular landscape by showing heterogeneity in the presence of cancer cells, cancer-associated stromal cells, mesenchymal stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs). One of the plausible views in cancer formation is suggested as the theory of cancer CSCs that is known as a source of initiation of tumorigenesis. In essence, these powerful CSCs are equipped with high Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling and epigenetic memory power that support various tumor hallmarks. Truly, nature justifies its intent by limiting these stem cells with a potential to turn into CSCs and in turn suppressing the high risk of humans and other organisms. In short, this mini-review addresses the contribution of SHH signaling to allow reprogramming of epigenetic memory within CSCs that support tumor hallmarks. Besides, this paper explores therapeutic approaches to mitigate SHH signaling that may lead to a blockade of the pro-tumor potential of CSCs.

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Cancer Stem Cells: A Review of Potential Clinical Applications

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine ◽

10.5858/arpa.2012-0494-ra ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 137 (8) ◽

pp. 1111-1116 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Mark Podberezin ◽

Jianguo Wen ◽

Chung-Che (Jeff Chang

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Cancer Stem Cells ◽

Minimal Residual Disease ◽

Clinical Laboratory ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Disease Recurrence ◽

Tumor Resistance ◽

Therapeutic Approaches ◽

A Minor ◽

Minimal Residual

Context.—Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise a minor cell population in a tumor; however, they possess self-renewal capacity and are responsible for tumor recurrence and the emerging issue of tumor resistance. Despite recent advances in the study of pathogenesis and mechanisms of CSC-mediated disease recurrence and multidrug resistance, many questions remain unanswered. Objectives.—To provide an overview of CSC theory and to describe major methods of CSC detection and isolation, with the emphasis on those techniques that are potentially relevant in clinical laboratory practice. Particular attention is given to CSC markers, such as cancer testis antigens, which could become promising targets in the development of immunotherapy in settings of minimal residual disease. Data Sources.—The review is based on analysis of peer-reviewed literature cited in PubMed, as well as preliminary results of studies conducted in our laboratory. Conclusions.—Despite a lack of consensus in the scientific community on research methodology, CSCs have demonstrated significant potential as therapeutic targets in the treatment of cancer. Further research of CSC biology and markers will eventually lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches for targeting these cells to treat resistant and recurrent tumors and minimal residual disease.

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