Stemness regulation in prostate cancer: prostate cancer stem cells and targeted therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Increasing evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer stem-like cells form a special subpopulation of cells that are ubiquitous in tumors. These cells exhibit similar characteristics to those of normal stem cells in tissues; moreover, they are capable of self-renewal and differentiation, as well as high tumorigenicity and drug resistance. In prostate cancer (PCa), it is difficult to kill these cells using androgen signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs. Consequently, the residual prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) mediate tumor recurrence and progression.

Objective

This review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of PCSCs, with a particular emphasis on potential therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.

Methods

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SUBMITTER: Liang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11703425 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature