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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Cancer Stem Cells: Powerful Targets to Improve Current Anticancer Therapeutics

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Author(s):
Bighetti-Trevisan, Rayana L. [1] ; Sousa, Lucas O. [2] ; Castilho, Rogerio M. [3] ; Almeida, Luciana O. [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Basic & Oral Biol, Tissue Culture Lab, Sch Dent, BR-14040904 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci, Dept Clin Anal Toxicol & Food Sci, Lab Markers & Cell Signaling Canc, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Michigan, Sch Dent, Dept Periodont & Oral Med, Lab Epithelial Biol, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 - USA
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Review article
Source: STEM CELLS INTERNATIONAL; v. 2019, NOV 12 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

A frequent observation in several malignancies is the development of resistance to therapy that results in frequent tumor relapse and metastasis. Much of the tumor resistance phenotype comes from its heterogeneity that halts the ability of therapeutic agents to eliminate all cancer cells effectively. Tumor heterogeneity is, in part, controlled by cancer stem cells (CSC). CSC may be considered the reservoir of cancer cells as they exhibit properties of self-renewal and plasticity and the capability of reestablishing a heterogeneous tumor cell population. The endowed resistance mechanisms of CSC are mainly attributed to several factors including cellular quiescence, accumulation of ABC transporters, disruption of apoptosis, epigenetic reprogramming, and metabolism. There is a current need to develop new therapeutic drugs capable of targeting CSC to overcome tumor resistance. Emerging in vitro and in vivo studies strongly support the potential benefits of combination therapies capable of targeting cancer stem cell-targeting agents. Clinical trials are still underway to address the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of combination treatment. This review will address the main characteristics, therapeutic implications, and perspectives of targeting CSC to improve current anticancer therapeutics. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/11780-8 - Study of epigenetic modifications related to cancer stem cells accumulation in head and neck cancer: implications in chemoresistance
Grantee:Luciana Oliveira de Almeida
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
FAPESP's process: 18/02959-7 - Study of epigenetic modifications related to cancer stem cells accumulation in head and neck cancer: implications in chemoresistance
Grantee:Luciana Oliveira de Almeida
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Young Researchers