Modeling head and neck cancer stem cell-mediated tumorigenesis

Abstract

A large body of literature has emerged supporting the importance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the pathogenesis of head and neck cancers. CSCs are a sub-population of cells within a tumor that share the properties of self-renewal and multipotency with stem cells from normal tissue. Their functional relevance to the pathobiology of cancer arises from the unique properties of tumorigenicity, chemotherapy resistance, and their ability to metastasize and invade distant tissues. Several molecular profiles have been used to discriminate a stem cell from a non-stem cell. CSCs can be grown for study and further enriched using a number of in vitro techniques. An evolving option for translational research is the use of mathematical and computational models to describe the role of CSCs in complex tumor environments. This review is focused discussing the evidence emerging from modeling approaches that have clarified the impact of CSCs to the biology of cancer.

Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of CD133+CD144+ Cancer Stem Cells Derived from Human Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

“…Cancer stem cells are considered the origin of cancer cells, which are closely associated with therapeutic resistance and cancer recurrence [4,5]. Our previous study showed that CD133+CD44+ cancer stem cells isolated from the LSCC cell lines Hep2 and TU-177 by magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) exhibited enhanced cell viability, migration and invasive capability, colony-formation ability, and resistance to chemotherapy and irradiation.…”

Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Identification, Characterization and Clinical Implications

“…For HNSCC in particular, HPV infection and multimodality therapy has to be taken into account in addition to other microenvironmental factors. Furthermore, in silico models simulated the direct and indirect interactions between HNSCC cells and endothelial cells via the VEGF-Bcl-2-CXCL8 pathway influencing vascular growth and therapy response [106,107,108,109].…”

Cancer stem cell biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A bioinformatic analysis

“…Treatment decisions for HNSCC are complex, and according to the US guidelines, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended (2). However, the prognosis of HNSCC remains very poor.…”

“…Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) refers to a group of biologically similar cancers arising from the mucous squamous epithelia in the head and neck area. HNSCC is an aggressive cancer with poor overall survival (1)(2)(3)(4). In spite of the recent advancements in treatment modalities for HNSCC, the long-term survival rates have not significantly improved over the past decade (5).…”