Cancer stem cells in small cell lung cancer

摘要: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the most aggressive tumors, with poor survival rates. Although patients may initially respond to treatment, this followed by rapid development drug resistance and disease progression. SCLC often present metastasis at time diagnosis, ruling out surgery as a treatment option. Currently, options for remain limited platinum-based chemotherapy choice. A better understanding biology could allow us identify new therapeutic targets. Cancer stem (CSC) theory currently crucial in research provide viable explanation heterogeneity, resistance, recurrence several types tumors. Some characteristics SCLC, such aggressiveness, suggest that kind tumor be enriched CSCs, attributable existence CSC subpopulation SCLC. Herein we summarize current including evidence markers signaling pathways involved stemness. We also discuss potential ongoing strategies areas active immunotherapy, focus on inhibition targeting molecules driving Understanding discovery specific CSCs will lead advances therapy improvements prognosis patients. Therefore, evaluation these CSC-specific become routine part diagnosis therapy.