Title:New Approaches to Target Cancer Stem Cells: Current Scenario
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Author(s): Mayank Bashyal Insan and Vikas Jaitak
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cancer stem cell, Chemotherapy, CSCs niche, Hedgehog, MicroRNA, Multi-targeted anti-CSC therapy, Notch,
Radiotherapy, Wnt.
Abstract: Resistance towards chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as relapse of cancer is the major obstacle in the
treatment of cancer. The main factor behind is cancer stem cells (CSCs) which are more resistant to conventional
chemotherapy, radiotherapy and are quite able to regenerate whole new tumor again if remain alive during treatment.
Targeting CSCs along with actively dividing cancer cells may significantly contribute to the solution of the problem of
resistance and relapse. Various approaches are implemented to eradicate CSCs which include CSC markers specific
compounds, Drugs which disturb niche and various inhibitors/modulators of signaling pathways. Hedgehog (Hh), Wnt
and Notch pathways are modulated/inhibited using various agents and shown beneficial results in multiple forms of
cancer. Many inhibitors/modulators of these pathways have been entered in the clinical trials. MicroRNAs have also been
developed as anti CSCs agents. In this review, we have covered current status of CSC targeting therapy based on CSC
markers, CSC niche, Hedgehog, Wnt, Notch pathway along with MicroRNA based targeting strategies and possibility of
implementation multi-targeted anti-CSC therapy for the better outcome of the results.
