The importance and role of cancer stem cells in cancer treatment
The importance and role of cancer stem cells in cancer treatment
Fatemehsadat Hoseini,1,*
1. Student research Center, Baharestan 1 Education Office, Baharestan 1, Tehran, Iran
Introduction: Cancer stem cells are cancer cells that are found in tumors or blood-related cancers and have characteristics similar to normal stem cells (especially in their ability to become all types of cells). In order to identify the characteristics of cancer stem cells, they must be isolated from the entire cell population. These cells have specific markers on their surface that distinguish them from other cells. These markers are specific antigens and receptors and can be one of the best diagnostic methods for isolating these cells in different tumors. Such cells appear to be conserved as a separate population within the tumor and then grow to metastasize to form a new tumor; Therefore, the development of therapies in which cancer stem cells are targeted is very promising for cancer patients, especially those with metastases.
Methods: Cancer stem cells are unevenly distributed within tumor tissue and, like natural stem cells, have the ability to self-regenerate and are responsible for tumor survival and differences in its genetic and metabolic characteristics. These cells are preserved in patients undergoing chemotherapy and, by unequal division, cause the formation of new tumor cells with multiple resistance characteristics. There are two ways to use cancer stem cells to treat cancer: to differentiate cancer stem cells and to use cancer stem cells as carriers of carcinogenic viruses. In the treatment of differentiation induction, substances are used that induce the differentiation of cancer stem cells. This method is based on the idea that cancer stem cells are cells that are in an undifferentiated state and multiply uncontrollably and rapidly. Although differential treatment does not kill cancer stem cells, it limits their growth and regeneration and ultimately allows the removal of malignant cells using traditional therapies (such as chemotherapy).Carcinogenic viruses are natural or genetically modified species that kill cancer cells in a programmed and selective manner. Stem cells are one of the most important cellular carriers for the treatment of carcinogenic viruses. The carrier cell tends to accept the virus.
Results: It is thought that if cancer stem cells can be eradicated, they will be completely successful in treating cancer. Therefore, specifying methods for diagnosing these cells improves patients' chances of survival by reducing tumor recurrence.
Conclusion: The future challenge in treatment should include increasing the efficiency of targeting cancer stem cells in tumors. It is hoped that future studies can make further progress in this area.