title: Cancer stem cells as a potential therapeutic target in thyroid carcinoma.
abstract: A number of studies have indicated that tumor growth and proliferation is dependent on a small subset of cells, defined as cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have the capability to self-renew, and are involved with cancer propagation, relapse and metastatic dissemination. CSCs have been isolated from numerous tissues, including normal and cancerous thyroid tissue. A regulatory network of signaling pathways and microRNAs (miRNAs) control the properties of CSCs. Differentiated thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of endocrine cancer, with an increasing incidence. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is the most rare type of endocrine cancer; however, it also exhibits the highest mortality rate among thyroid malignancies, with an extremely short survival time. Thyroid CSCs are invasive and highly resistant to conventional therapies, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which results in disease relapse even when the primary lesion has been eradicated. Therefore, targeting thyroid CSCs may represent an effective treatment strategy against aggressive neoplasms, including recurrent and radioresistant tumors. The present review summarizes the current literature regarding thyroid CSCs and discusses therapeutic strategies that target these cells, with a focus on the function of self-renewal pathways and miRNAs. Elucidation of the mechanisms that regulate CSC growth and survival may improve novel therapeutic approaches for treatment-resistant thyroid cancers.
authors.affiliation: Cell Biology Unit, IOM Ricerca Srl, Viagrande I-95029 Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vicari
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande I-95029 Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Colarossi
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande I-95029 Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Giuffrida
authors.affiliation: Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, I-00144 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Ruggero
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Maria
authors.affiliation: Cell Biology Unit, IOM Ricerca Srl, Viagrande I-95029 Catania, Italy; Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande I-95029 Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Memeo
keywords: effective strategies; thyroid cancer stem cells