Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
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Date
2023-04
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Abstract
The first discovery of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in leukaemia triggered active research on stemness in neoplastic tissues. CSCs represent a subpopulation of malignant cells, defined by unique properties: a dedifferentiated state, self-renewal, pluripotency, an inherent resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy, the presence of certain epigenetic alterations, as well as a higher tumorigenicity in comparison with the general population of cancer cells. A combination of these features highlights CSCs as a high-priority target during cancer treatment. The presence of CSCs has been confirmed in multiple malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an entity that is well known for its dismal prognosis. As the aggressive course of pancreatic carcinoma is partly attributable to treatment resistance, CSCs could contribute to adverse outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current information regarding the markers and molecular features of CSCs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the therapeutic options to remove them.
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Publisher Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Keywords
cancer stem cells, epigenetics, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, signalling pathways, 3.1 Basic medicine, 3.2 Clinical medicine, 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database, Catalysis, Molecular Biology, Spectroscopy, Computer Science Applications, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Citation
Bubin, R, Uljanovs, R & Strumfa, I 2023, 'Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 24, no. 8, 7030, pp. 1-23. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087030