Open AccessThe Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Breast Cancer Initiation and Progression: Potential Cancer Stem Cell‐Directed Therapies
Author(s) -
Economopoulou Panagiota,
Kaklamani Virginia G.,
Siziopikou Kalliopi
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.2012-0163
Subject(s) - medicine , cancer stem cell , breast cancer , stem cell , cancer , radiation therapy , oncology , cancer research , population , chemotherapy , biology , genetics , environmental health
Recent studies have identified a small population of highly tumorigenic cells with stem cell properties in human breast and other solid tumors that are considered to be the source of tumor initiation and maintenance; these cells are referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Preclinical data suggest that current breast cancer treatment strategies lead to CSC enrichment, contributing to chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance, although a strong correlation with clinical parameters and prognosis is yet to be established. Importantly, overcoming treatment failure by effective targeting of CSCs may be an appealing approach, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes for patients with breast cancer. Several preclinical studies provide promising results that support this hypothesis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of CSCs in breast cancer recurrence and resistance and to discuss current attempts of CSC targeting.