Editorial: Stem cells in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer stem cells.

Studies are emerging in support of the cancer stem cells (CSCs) theory which considers that a tiny subset of cancer cells is exclusively responsible for the initiation and malignant behavior of a cancer. This cell population, also termed CSCs, possesses the capacity both to self-renew, producing progeny that have the identical tumorigenic potential, and to differentiate into the bulk of cancer ...

Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive malignant solid tumor well-known by early metastasis, local invasion, resistance to standard chemo- and radiotherapy and poor prognosis. Increasing evidence indicates that pancreatic cancer is initiated and propagated by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Here we review the current research results regarding CSCs in pancreatic cancer and discuss the different markers i...

Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells

Carcinomas of an epithelial-origin account for the majority of all malignant cancers worldwide. As the most common pancreatic cancer, Pancreatic Ductal Adeno Carcinoma (PDAC) is a carcinoma with an extremely high lethality [1-3]. Compared to other cancers originating in the digestive system, the therapeutic outcome of PDAC treatment is the least promising, largely resulting from a lack of sympt...

Cancer stem cells: therapeutic targets

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as rare cellular populations in many cancers, including leukemia and solid tumors. This minor subpopulation of cancerous cells is immortal tumor-initiating cells which thought to be responsible for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence and drug/radiation resistance. Low proliferative rate, high self-renewing capacity, differentiatio...