Cancer stem cells: A comprehensive review on identification and therapeutic implications

BR Varun, P Jayanthi, Pratibha RamaniJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology 2020 24(1):190-190 Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are distinct subpopulations of tumor cells that possess the ability for perpetual self-renewal and proliferation. They produce downstream progenitor cells and cancer cells that drive tumor growth. Studies of many cancer types including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have identified CSCs using specific markers, but it is still unclear as to where in the stem cell hierarchy these markers fall. This is compounded further by the presence of multiple CSC subtypes within OSCC, making investigation reliant on the use of multiple markers. This review paper focuses on the current knowledge in CSC markers including OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1, CD44, CD24, CD133 and Musashi-1, highlighting their use and validity in OSCC CSC research.
Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Source Type: research