Stem Cells in Cancer
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Stem Cells".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 November 2025 | Viewed by 1978
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subset of cells within tumors that possess stem cell-like properties, including self-renewal and the ability to give rise to diverse cell types within the tumor. These cells are implicated in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. CSCs are believed to arise from normal stem cells or differentiated cells through genetic or epigenetic alterations. They contribute to tumor heterogeneity, which complicates treatment approaches. Researchers have identified various molecular markers associated with CSCs, which can be used to isolate and study these cells. However, CSC markers are not universally agreed upon, and their expression may vary between different types of cancer. Identifying CSC markers and understanding their biology is crucial for developing targeted therapies. Targeting CSCs holds promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes. Strategies for targeting CSCs include inhibiting the signaling pathways involved in stem cell self-renewal, disrupting the tumor microenvironment that supports CSCs, and inducing CSC differentiation or apoptosis. Despite the potential of targeting CSCs, several challenges remain, including identifying specific CSC markers, understanding the plasticity of CSCs, and developing effective therapies that selectively target CSCs without harming normal stem cells. Targeting CSCs holds promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes by addressing the root cause of tumor growth and recurrence.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Sharma
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- cancer stem cells
- heterogeneity
- metastasis
- plasticity
- self-renewal
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