The Enemy Within: Influence of Cancer Stem Cells in Neoplastic Progression, Metastasis, Immune Evasion and Resistance to Therapy

Cancer stem cells are the prime malefactors of tumours, which create all the havoc in patients. Cancer originates with enormous heterogeneity and exists in a massively complex environment. In that complex environment, Tumour makes its way to success using all forms of capabilities to cope and defeat the defence system of the body as well as clinical approaches. Cancer stem cells act as the Trojan horse in this bodily war. For last one decade researchers are trying to generate a clear map about Cancer stem cell niche generation, regulation of quiescence and therapeutic response. In this study, we have reviewed the advances on different stem cell models, isolation strategies, characteristics, contribution towards cancer development and therapeutic targeting using a combination of chemotherapeutic agents with nanoparticles.