Recent Advances in the Understanding of CSCs and Treatments Targeting Them

This study overviews the biology of the cancer stem cell (CSC) and current progress made in treatments targeting them. CSCs help cancer to resist current mainstream cancer treatments and allow cancer to recur even after it is considered cured. CSCs are cancer cells that are both low in number and divide slowly, or even stay quiescent (not multiplying). This allows them to avoid being targeted by chemotherapy and other therapies that are created to target the rapidly dividing cancer cells. In order to combat the CSCs researchers have looked at biomarkers that are specific to CSCs, however it is difficult. CSCs have many biomarkers in common with other cancer cells or with non-cancerous counterparts. In addition, biomarkers that are present in one type of cancer may not be present elsewhere. Despite this, many CSC biomarkers have been identified as possible means to target them. Other biomarkers, like CD26, have been identified as early signs of an aggressive cancer and can serve as a warning, allowing time for preparation. Many more currently ongoing studies are also looking for even more biomarkers that can be used to target CSCs effectively. Other studies look at possible ways to use those biomarkers against cancer, using methods such as immunotherapy. While no definitive method for combating CSCs currently exists as of now the subject is showing great potential as a method to help treat cancer.