The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Drug Resistance in Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas (GEJA) have dramatically increased in incidence in the western world since the mid-20^th century. Their prognosis is poor, and conventional anti-cancer therapies do not significantly improve survival outcomes. These tumours are comprised of a heterogenous population of both cancer stem cells (CSC) and non-CSCs, with the former playing a crucial role in tumorigenesis, metastasis and importantly drug resistance. Due to the ability of CSCs to self-replicate indefinitely, their resistance to anti-cancer therapies poses a significant barrier to effective treatment of GEJA. Ongoing drug development programmes aim to target and eradicate CSCs, however their characterisation and thus identification is difficult. CSC regulation is complex, involvi

SUBMITTER: Dinneen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7897661 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature