Targeting CD133 antigen in cancer.
BACKGROUND
Much attention has been focused on CD133 as a marker of cancer cells with stem-cell-like ability. In the cancer stem cells (CSCs) model, only a small proportion of tumour cells are able to self-renew extensively, while the bulk of cells proceed to differentiate into committed heterogeneous clones. On the basis of the involvement of CSCs in tumourigenesis and treatment resistance, it is conceivable that only eradication of CSCs can lead to a cancer cure.


OBJECTIVE
To highlight the most recent evidence about the role of CD133 as a marker of CSCs in human tumours, and the therapeutic perspectives associated with its specific targeting.


METHODS
A literature search through Medline to locate published full articles using the following key words for selection: 'CD133 and cancer targeting', 'CD133 and chemo resistance', and 'CD133 and molecular pathways'. Only studies in English are considered.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of CD133 as a marker of CSCs has been documented in several human neoplasms; its expression seems to predict unfavourable prognosis. Novel therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting molecular pathways critical for CD133+ CSCs survival are being examined.
Ferrandina
Gabriella
G
Catholic University, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, L.go A. Gemelli 1, 86100 Campobasso, Italy. gabriella.ferrandina@libero.it
Petrillo
Marco
M
Bonanno
Giuseppina
G
Scambia
Giovanni
G
D000071916:AC133 Antigen; D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D010455:Peptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis
D000071916:AC133 Antigen; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D006023:Glycoproteins; C000606023:PROM1 protein, human; D010455:Peptides