When we think of cancer, we often envision a chaotic battle between our body’s healthy cells and a group of troublemakers. But did you know that within the world of cancer, there exists a special group of cells that are like the masterminds behind the scenes? These cells are known as Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and they play a crucial role in the growth and spread of cancers.
CSCs are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with capabilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity when transplanted into an animal host. They exhibit characteristics of both stem cells and cancer cells. Regular cancer cells can divide and multiply, but they might not have the same longevity or versatility as cancer stem cells. CSCs derive from a tissue stem cell that undergoes mutations or from a cancer cell that has acquired stem properties.
Studies have shown that CSCs are indeed the only tumor cells able to colonize distant organs and give rise to metastasis. Finally, they also play a role in drug resistance and cancer recurrence. Cancer stem cells typically divide much more slowly than other cells of the tumor order quiescent. This feature makes them less susceptible to drugs attacking fast dividing cells such as conventional chemotherapy. This could explain the fact that after an initial reduction of the size of the tumor mass, cancer might come back giving rise to relapses.
CSCs are believed to be an important target for novel anti-cancer drug discovery. Researchers have discovered that by directing Natural Killer cells toward cancer stem cells, they can potentially disrupt the tumor’s ability to grow and spread. Picture NK cells as a precision strike force of the immune system, honing in on CSCs with remarkable accuracy. By disrupting the foundation of tumor development, this innovative immunotherapy approach shows immense promise in impeding cancer’s relentless progression. Although this breakthrough is still in its early stages, the implications are profound. Tailoring the body’s own defenses to target cancer stem cells could mark a significant leap forward in cancer treatment strategies. As research advances and trials progress, there’s a glimmer of hope for a future where cancer’s most resilient elements are not only identified but systematically dismantled, bringing us closer to more effective, personalized, and triumphant cancer therapies.
References:
1. Yu Z, Pestell TG, Lisanti MP, Pestell RG. Cancer stem cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2012 Dec;44(12):2144-51. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.08.022. Epub 2012 Sep 2. PMID: 22981632; PMCID: PMC3496019.
2. Ayob, A.Z., Ramasamy, T.S. Cancer stem cells as key drivers of tumour progression. J Biomed Sci 25, 20 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-018-0426-4