OBJECTIVE: In this review, several interlinking issues related to cancer stem cells (CSCs) in malignant solid tumors are sequentially discussed. METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane library, combining the words CSCs, solid tumor, isolation, identification, origination, therapy, target and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. RESULTS: Because a primary problem is the isolation of CSCs, we first analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of recently used methods, which were mostly based on the physical or immunochemical characteristics of CSCs. Once CSCs are isolated, they should be identified by their stem cell properties. Here, we suggest how to establish a standard identification strategy. We also focused on the origination hypotheses of CSCs. The supporting molecular mechanisms for each theory were thoroughly analyzed and integrated. Especially, epithelial- mesenchymal transition is an increasingly recognized mechanism to generate CSCs that are endowed with a more invasive and metastatic phenotype. Finally, we discuss putative strategies of eliminating CSCs as effective cancer therapies. CONCLUSION: After several interlocking issues of CSCs are thoroughly clarified, these CSCs in solid malignant tumors may specifically be targeted, which raises a new hope for eliminating these tumors.
OBJECTIVE: In this review, several interlinking issues related to cancer stem cells (CSCs) in malignant solid tumors are sequentially discussed. METHODS: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane library, combining the words CSCs, solid tumor, isolation, identification, origination, therapy, target and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. RESULTS: Because a primary problem is the isolation of CSCs, we first analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of recently used methods, which were mostly based on the physical or immunochemical characteristics of CSCs. Once CSCs are isolated, they should be identified by their stem cell properties. Here, we suggest how to establish a standard identification strategy. We also focused on the origination hypotheses of CSCs. The supporting molecular mechanisms for each theory were thoroughly analyzed and integrated. Especially, epithelial- mesenchymal transition is an increasingly recognized mechanism to generate CSCs that are endowed with a more invasive and metastatic phenotype. Finally, we discuss putative strategies of eliminating CSCs as effective cancer therapies. CONCLUSION: After several interlocking issues of CSCs are thoroughly clarified, these CSCs in solid malignant tumors may specifically be targeted, which raises a new hope for eliminating these tumors.
Authors: Michael F Clarke; John E Dick; Peter B Dirks; Connie J Eaves; Catriona H M Jamieson; D Leanne Jones; Jane Visvader; Irving L Weissman; Geoffrey M Wahl Journal: Cancer Res Date: 2006-09-21 Impact factor: 12.701
Authors: Arnout G Schepers; Hugo J Snippert; Daniel E Stange; Maaike van den Born; Johan H van Es; Marc van de Wetering; Hans Clevers Journal: Science Date: 2012-08-01 Impact factor: 47.728
Authors: Azra J Alvi; Helen Clayton; Chirag Joshi; Tariq Enver; Alan Ashworth; Maria d M Vivanco; Trevor C Dale; Matthew J Smalley Journal: Breast Cancer Res Date: 2002-10-14 Impact factor: 6.466
Authors: Jian Chen; Yanjiao Li; Tzong-Shiue Yu; Renée M McKay; Dennis K Burns; Steven G Kernie; Luis F Parada Journal: Nature Date: 2012-08-23 Impact factor: 49.962