Targeting Cancer Stem Cells and Mechanisms of Therapy Resistance
A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 249
Special Issue Editors
Interests: cancer stem cells; tumor microenvironment; metabolism; target therapy
2. NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Interests: molecular oncology; drug resistance; cell therapy
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue, titled ‘Targeting Cancer Stem Cells and Mechanisms of Therapy Resistance,’ aims to provide a comprehensive platform for the latest research on the pivotal role of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) in tumor progression and clinical failure. As the primary drivers of intratumoral heterogeneity, CSCs possess unique self-renewal and plastic properties that enable them to survive conventional treatments, leading to recurrence and metastasis. This Issue seeks to unravel the complex molecular landscapes that govern CSC survival, from intrinsic signaling pathways and DNA repair mechanisms to extrinsic influences from the tumor microenvironment (TME). The scope of the Issue encompasses a broad range of topics within molecular oncology, with a focus on identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets specifically associated with the stem-like phenotype. We invite original research articles and comprehensive reviews that explore the mechanisms of chemo- and radio-resistance, including metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modifications, and immune evasion strategies. Furthermore, we encourage submissions that discuss innovative therapeutic approaches, such as small molecule inhibitors, immunotherapy, and combination regimens designed to eradicate the CSC population. By bridging the gap between fundamental cell biology and clinical application, this Issue aims to foster the development of more effective, personalized treatment strategies for cancer patients.
Dr. Simone Franco
Dr. Alessandro Giammona
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- cancer stem cells
- tumor microenvironment
- drug resistance
- biomarkers
- target therapy
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