Cancer stem cells, the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and radioresistance: Potential role of hypoxia

Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within solid tumors. Although the precursor of these cells is not clearly established, recent studies suggest that the phenotype of CSCs may be quite plastic and associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cancer letters 2013-11, Vol.341 (1), p.63-72
Main Authors: Marie-Egyptienne, Delphine Tamara, Lohse, Ines, Hill, Richard Peter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brain research
Cancer
Cancer stem cells
Cancer therapies
Cell Hypoxia - radiation effects
Chemotherapy
EMT
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition - radiation effects
Gene expression
Genotype & phenotype
Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine
Humans
Hypotheses
Hypoxia
Hypoxia - pathology
Medical research
Metastasis
neoplasms
Neoplasms - pathology
Neoplasms - radiotherapy
Neoplastic Stem Cells - metabolism
Neoplastic Stem Cells - pathology
Neoplastic Stem Cells - radiation effects
patients
phenotype
Population
radiation resistance
Radiation therapy
Radiation Tolerance
Radioresistance
radiotherapy
relapse
Stem cells
Studies
Tumor Microenvironment
Tumors
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Summary:Numerous studies have demonstrated the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within solid tumors. Although the precursor of these cells is not clearly established, recent studies suggest that the phenotype of CSCs may be quite plastic and associated with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In patients, the presence of EMT and CSCs has been implicated in increased resistance to radiotherapy. Hypoxia, a negative prognostic factor for treatment success, is a potent driver of a multitude of molecular signalling pathways that allow cells to survive and thrive in the hostile tumor microenvironment and can induce EMT. Hypoxia also provides tumor cells with cues for maintenance of a stem-like state and may help to drive the linkage between EMT and CSCs. Understanding the biology of CSCs, the EMT phenotype and their implications in therapeutic relapse may provide crucial new approaches in the development of improved therapeutic strategies.
ISSN:0304-3835
1872-7980
DOI:10.1016/j.canlet.2012.11.019