Cancer stem cells: Review of current state and future directions

Abstract

Cancer is a group of disorders characterized by the abnormal proliferation of cells. Cancer can infiltrate or spread to different areas of the body. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are small groups of cancer cells that have the ability to self-renew and develop into tumors by different signaling pathways. CSCs play a significant role in the development of many types of cancer and are a significant factor in tumor metastasis and relapses. They are usually resistant to the existing treatments primarily focusing on most tumor cells. Recent technological advances have made it easier to study the basic role of CSCs in cancer biology and target them for potential therapeutic strategies. In this minireview, we give a brief overview of recent insights into the characteristics, mechanisms, current treatment opportunities, challenges, and future directions of cancer stem cells and their potential to revolutionize cancer treatment.