The challenge of targeting cancer stem cells to halt metastasis.

摘要: Despite a continuing debate about the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), recent discoveries have provided further support for their and roles in drug resistance, recurrence metastasis. CSC characteristics, such as self-renewal tumour initiation, supporting cellular processes, particularly epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, are attracting great deal attention from researchers they offer opportunities discovering novel therapeutic targets future development. However, identification potential presents clear obstacles due to lack truly specific markers reality plasticity, making this task significant challenge. Agents that target developmental signalling pathways, Notch, Wnt Hedgehog, now clinical trials whilst alternative approaches including immune-based therapies microRNA-mediated pathway inhibitors producing promising pre-clinical results. Here, we discuss contribution CSCs metastasis scope intervention. In particular, consider CSC-targeting agents which there is experimental evidence anti-metastatic properties may eventually limit relapse impede patients.