Circulating Cancer Stem Cells; Role in Cancer Prognosis, Metastasis and Targeted Therapy

Abstract

Circulating Cancer Stem Cells (CCSCs) constitute a distinctive category of cancer cells that play pivotal roles in shaping multiple facets of the cancer continuum, spanning from the initiation and progression of oncogenesis and tumorigenesis to the intricate processes of metastasis and cancer relapse. Demonstrating a unique intermediate phenotype, these specialized cells exhibit characteristics that lie at the crossroads between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes.CCSCs actively represent a rare population in the blood circulation, where their predictive and prognostic potential has often been harnessed to gain valuable insights into the diagnosis, metastatic behavior, and recurrence patterns of cancer. Moreover, CCSCs serve as critical indicators of a patient's response to treatment, resistance mechanisms, and overall clinical outcomes.This comprehensive exploration delves into various intriguing aspects related to CCSCs, providing an in-depth analysis of their roles and implications. The work extensively discusses the significance of CCSCs in the intricate landscape of cancer biology, shedding light on their unique attributes and contributions to disease progression. Emphasis is placed on unraveling the complexities surrounding CCSCs, offering a thorough and unbiased overview of the challenges associated with the analysis of these specialized cells. In addition, a noteworthy focus of this work is directed towards the escalating importance of CCSC-targeted cancer therapies. The implications stemming from existing research reports are thoroughly examined, presenting a nuanced perspective on the current state of CCSC-targeted therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the inherent challenges in these therapeutic techniques, have also been discussed, with an effort to offer insights into future prospects and potential advancements in the field. Overall, this work aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer research by providing a comprehensive exploration of CCSCs and their potential as targets for innovative therapeutic strategies.