From Resistance to Remission: Disrupting Cancer Stem Cells for Better Therapies

Apurva Sudesh Abitkar, Zainab Hashmi, Sonia Shah, Clissia Dsouza, Amna Shamim, Snigda Deepthi Mahanti

Abstract


Cancer continues to be one of the biggest health challenges we face globally, with traditional treatments often falling short because of tumor recurrence and resistance to therapy. Recent studies have shed light on the vital role that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play in tumor growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. This review takes a closer look at the molecular mechanisms that fuel cancer stem cell (CSC) function, shining a light on key signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog. It also explores innovative therapeutic strategies, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and stem cell-based methods, all designed to eliminate CSCs while leaving healthy tissues unharmed. Both preclinical and clinical studies show that therapies targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) can enhance treatment effectiveness and lead to better patient outcomes. However, there are still significant hurdles to overcome, such as the diversity of tumors and the challenge of identifying specific CSC markers. Moving forward, research should concentrate on refining these therapeutic approaches to improve the accuracy and longevity of CSC-targeted treatments. This review offers important insights into how these therapies could revolutionize cancer treatment and boost patient survival rates.

Keywords


Cancer stem cells (CSCs), Tumor microenvironment, Metastasis, Therapy resistance, Targeted therapy, Immunotherapy, Stem cell therapy, Wnt pathway, Notch signaling, Hedgehog signaling, Tumorigenesis, Cancer progression

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v49.2.7100

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