Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are elucidated as cells that can perpetuate themselves via autorestoration. These cells are highly resistant to current therapeutic approaches and are the main reason for cancer recurrence. Radiotherapy has made a lot of contributions to cancer treatment.However, despite continuous achievements, therapy resistance and tumor recurrence are still prevalent in most patients. This resistance might be partly related to the existence of CSCs. In the present study, recent advances in the investigation of different biological properties of CSCs, such as their origin, markers, characteristics, and targeting have been reviewed. We have also focused our discussion on radioresistance and adaptive responses of CSCs and their related extrinsic and intrinsic influential factors. In summary, we suggest CSCs as the prime therapeutic target for cancer treatment. K E Y W O R D S cancer stem cell, chemoresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, radioresistance, therapeutic implication
Nowadays, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has been used for rapid prototyping of high quality printed objects. This technology has taken a special place in the field of medicine, and today this technology plays an important role, especially in the field of radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is a main option for treating and management of various types of cancers. Personalized radiotherapy requires precise details. For this reason, it is very important to carry out the exact treatment design at the clinical. 3D printing technology is considered a promising method that can be effective in the treatment of each person in a specific way and as a complementary and promising method to help in integrated treatment and special equipment for each patient. In this chapter, various applications of this technology in radiation therapy have been discussed. This narrative review summarizes the applications of 3D printing technology to develop patient-specific bolus, brachytherapy applicators, phantoms, filters, immobilization and grid therapy devices for more personalized radiation treatment.
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