title: Cancer stem cell targeting: the next generation of cancer therapy and molecular imaging.
abstract: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have the capacity to generate the heterogeneous lineages of all cancer cells comprising a tumor and these populations of cells are likely to be more relevant in determining prognosis. However, these cells do not operate in isolation, but instead rely upon signals co-opted from their microenvironment, making the targeting and imaging of CSCs within a cancer mass a daunting task. A better understanding of the molecular cell biology underlying CSC pathology will facilitate the development of new therapeutic targets and novel strategies for the successful eradication of cancer. In addition, the continued investigation of sensitive molecular-imaging modalities will enable more accurate staging, treatment planning and the ability to monitor the effectiveness of CSC-targeted therapies in vivo. In this review, we explore the possibilities and limitations of CSC-directed therapies and molecular imaging modalities.
authors: School of Medicine, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3217, Australia.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Shigdar
authors: Jia
authors: J
authors: Lin
authors: Yong
authors: Y
authors: Li
authors: Chaoyong James
authors: CJ
authors: Yang
authors: Mingqian
authors: M
authors: Wei
authors: Yimin
authors: Y
authors: Zhus
authors: Hui
authors: H
authors: Liu
authors: Wei
authors: W
authors: Duan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D058750:Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor