Pathology and treatment for prostate cancer: Based on prostate stem cells and cell therapy

Prostate cancer is a major global health concern, with current treatments limited by resistance and recurrence in advanced stages. Prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are key drivers of tumor progression and therapy resistance due to their self-renewal, differentiation capabilities, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. This review examines the role of PCSCs and explores therapeutic strategies to target them, including inhibitors of signaling pathways (Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, PI3K/mTOR), gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, and cell-based therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes. Despite their potential, these approaches face challenges in clinical translation, including tumor heterogeneity, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and safety concerns. Ongoing research and clinical trials should aim to overcome these hurdles and improve prostate cancer treatment outcomes.