Cancer stem cells in head and neck cancer.

ABSTRACT: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a unique population of cells found within tumors that are able to self-renew, restore the original heterogeneity of a tumor following treatment, and show increased tumorigenic potential when compared to other cancer cells. It is thought that they are responsible for the recurrence of tumors as well as the resistance to treatment that is seen clinically. CSCs are known to be involved in head and neck cancer (HNCs) specifically, as evidence for their existence can be found in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), among others. Here, findings from various approaches to identifying and targeting CSCs and their downstream effectors in HNC are summarized, with an emphasis on recent advanceme

SUBMITTER: Picon H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8449141 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature