Cancer stem cells and the future of cancer therapy (Preprint)

Abstract

UNSTRUCTURED The Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Model postulates that there are two distinct groups of cells within a tumour: those that can self-replicate, give rise to and sustain cancers and those that cannot. Experiments largely support this model especially in the case of leukaemias. It is important to note, however, that there are some controversies especially regarding transplantation experiments that have cast doubts over aspects of the model. The CSC model provides an explanation to many phenomena including drug resistance, relapse and metastasis. The role of CSCs in these processes means that they are an interesting therapeutic target. Studies have investigated markers that could be used to identify them, the pathways they employ and potential ways that they can be targeted. Treatments targeting CSCs have shown promising results, especially in combatting relapse. We will examine the broad field of CSCs, explaining their implications and potential in therapy. Importantly, however, the field is huge and of necessity, selected examples will be discussed to highlight the general applicability of the CSC concept.