Cancers 2011, 3(1), 319-339; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers3010319
The Role of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells in Metastatic Disease and Therapeutic Response
1
Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA
2
Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA
3
Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA
4
Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA
5
Department of Dermatology, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 1 December 2010 / Revised: 17 December 2010 / Accepted: 10 January 2011 / Published: 14 January 2011
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Stem Cells)
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer related mortality in the United States. The intricate molecular mechanisms involved in the regenerative process of the normal intestine and the identity of putative somatic intestinal stem cells have become clear. In parallel with this, experiment evidence has emerged supporting the century old hypothesis that solid tumor initiation, progression, chemoresistance and recurrence is the result of a small population of cancer cells with self-renewal and pluripotency capabilities. These “cancer stem cells” (CSCs) present a unique opportunity to better understand the biology of solid tumors in general, as well as targets for future therapeutics. In this review, we will summarize the current understanding of intestinal stem cell biology and translate it to colorectal CSCs to provide a basis for understanding chemoresistance, cancer recurrence and metastasis. A more complete understanding of the biology of colorectal CSCs will translate into the development of better chemotherapeutic and biological agents for the treatment of colorectal cancer. View Full-TextKeywords:
colon cancer; metastatic; cancer stem cell
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MDPI and ACS Style
Anderson, E.C.; Hessman, C.; Levin, T.G.; Monroe, M.M.; Wong, M.H. The Role of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells in Metastatic Disease and Therapeutic Response. Cancers 2011, 3, 319-339.