ABSTRACT
Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells Kelli E. Valdez,a,* Hanan Elsarraj,b Shane Steckleinc
and Fariba Behbodd
The existence of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) has profound implications for cancer biology and therapy because it is likely that eradication of BCSCs is the critical determinant in achieving a cure (Diehn and Clarke 2006). Because they share the properties of their normal stem cell counterparts, i.e., long term self-renewal potential and quiescence, CSCs may be resistance to current drug interventions and allow tumor recurrences (Reya et al. 2001, Clarke and Fuller 2006, Dalerba et al. 2007). Current research is taking advantage of these intrinsic properties to develop therapies targeting BCSCs. In the following sections, we focus on two promising directions of BCSC research. The fi rst is the attempt to sensitize BCSCs to current therapies by understanding the unique ability of these cells to escape chemotherapy induced cell death. The second section discusses the potential targeting of pathways that participate in self-renewal and cell fate as a part of BCSC therapy. The hope is that innovative therapies, based on a better understanding of CSCs, will lead to enhanced and long-term cure rates in breast cancer.
