Future Challenges to Target Cancer Stem Cells

The experimental information indicates that effective cancer treatment requires targeting of the tumor initiating cells. The initiating cells share molecular and functional properties with stem cells; hence their designation cancer stem cells (CSCs). The CSCs maintain tumor growth and are responsible for cancer resurgence. Also, there is evidence that the CSCs could be responsible for tumor dormancy and drug resistance. The functional and molecular similarities of CSCs and healthy stem cells pose challenges when considering the development of methods to target CSCs without harm to the endogenous stem cells. The review focuses on the potential challenges to target CSCs within the bone marrow niche.