The shifting paradigm of colorectal cancer treatment: a look into emerging cancer stem cell-directed therapeutics to lead the charge toward complete remission.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Despite advances in early detection, ~25% of patients are late stage, and treated patients have <12% chance of survival after five years. Tumor relapse and metastasis are the main causes of patient death. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare population of cancer cells characterized by properties of self-renewal, chemo- and radio-resistance, tumorigenicity, and high plasticity. These qualities make CSCs particularly important for metastasic seeding, DNA-damage resistance, and tumor repopulating.Areas Covered: The following review article focuses on the role of CRC-SCs in tumor initiation, metastasis, drug resista

SUBMITTER: Kopenhaver J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8455440 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature