Cell Stem Cell
Volume 24, Issue 1, 3 January 2019, Pages 25-40
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Perspective
Targeting Cancer Stemness in the Clinic: From Hype to Hope

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2018.11.017Get rights and content
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Tumors are composed of non-homogeneous cell populations exhibiting varying degrees of genetic and functional heterogeneity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of sustaining tumors by manipulating genetic and non-genetic factors to metastasize, resist treatment, and maintain the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the key traits and mechanisms of CSC survival provides opportunities to improve patient outcomes via improved prognostic models and therapeutics. Here, we review the clinical significance of CSCs and results of potential CSC-targeting therapies in various cancers. We discuss barriers to translating cues from pre-clinical models into clinical applications and propose new strategies for rational design of future anti-CSC trials.

Keywords

cancer stem cell
hedgehog
Notch
CD123
niche
differentiation therapies

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