Open AccessHyperthermia has Consistently Improved the Efficacy of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Many Types of Cancers
Author(s) -
Kokkula Pavan Kumar,
Prasad Garrepally
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
stem cell research and therapeutics international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2643-1912
DOI - 10.31579/2643-1912/003
Subject(s) - hyperthermia , radiation therapy , cancer stem cell , chemotherapy , cancer , medicine , cancer research , cancer therapy , cancer cell , oncology , cancer treatment
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are a subset of cancer cells that are resistant to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As such, CSCs have been recognized as playing a large role in tumor initiation and recurrence. Although hyperthermia is broadly used in cancer treatment either alone or in combination with radio- or chemo-therapy, its potential to target CSCs is not well understood. In this review, we discuss different types of hyperthermia and potential mechanisms of action in cancer treatment, particularly in regards to killing CSCs.