Cancer stem cell biomarkers and related signalling pathways

Abstract

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a distinct subset of neoplastic cells characterised by their heightened capacity for tumorigenesis. These cells are implicated in the facilitation of cancer metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapeutic interventions. Extensive scientific research has been devoted to the identification of biomarkers and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms in order to improve targeted therapeutic approaches. Accurate identification of cancer stem cells based on biomarkers can provide a theoretical basis for drug combinations of malignant tumours. Targeted biomarker-based therapies also offer a silver lining for patients with advanced malignancies. This review aims comprehensively to consolidate the latest findings on CSCs biomarkers, targeted agents as well as biomarkers associated signalling pathways in well-established cancer types, thereby contributing to improved prognostic outcomes.

Keywords:

• Cancer stem cell
• biomarker
• signaling pathway
• targeting agents

Author’s contributions

Zhe Wang drafted the manuscript and drew the figure, Rui Li one to one replied to comment, Guilin Yang and Yijin Wang conceived the review and revised the article. All of the authors approved the final version of the article to be published.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study is supported by Natural Science Foundation of ShenZhen (JCYJ20210324103808023) (to Wang Y); International science and technology cooperation of ShenZhen (GJHZ20220913142608016) (to Wang Y); and Educational Committee of Guangdong for Specific Program of Key Scientific Research (2021ZDZX2016) (to Wang Y).