Targeting Signaling Pathways in Cancer Stem Cells for Therapy of Cancer

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a fraction of cancer cells that has the ability to self-renew and differentiate into a variety of tumor cells. This subset of cancer cells is involved in relapse, metastasis, radiation resistance, and multidrug resistance, all of which contribute to the formation of new tumors. As a result, CSCs are regarded to be the most potential cancer therapeutic target. Several studies indicate dysregulation of developmental and stem cell-specific signaling pathways in cancer stem cells. These signaling pathways can regulate both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, directly and indirectly, thus regulating the cancer stem cell phenotype. Therefore, gaining a complete understanding of the involvement of the signaling pathways in cancer stem cell functions could lead to development of better cancer treatment strategies. This chapter presents an overview of the major signaling pathway of cancer stem cells and how they modulate various factors involved in the maintenance of cancer stem cells. Moreover, the updates of therapeutics strategies targeting these pathways are also discussed.KeywordsSignaling pathwayCancer Stem CellsTumor MicroenvironmentImmune EvasionResistance to Therapy