Cancer Stem Cells in Tumors Arisen from Digestive Organs

The digestive system encompasses several organs in which tumors occur with an elevated prevalence and mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence shows that cancer stem cells (CSCs) may play a critical role in tumor development and progression. In addition, CSCs are characterized by resistance to conventional therapies probably explaining why is difficult to completely eradicate cancer. Thus, the research on CSCs is critical to develop therapeutic strategies for a more effective reduction in the risk of relapse and metastasis and possible total elimination of tumors. This review compiles information about markers, signaling pathways and putative targeting of CSCs in several organs of the digestive system in order to unravel common and divergent patterns and behaviors that could be useful for future CSC research.