Cells (Nov 2021)

Heterogeneity of Cancer Stem Cells in Tumorigenesis, Metastasis, and Resistance to Antineoplastic Treatment of Head and Neck Tumours

  • Nicola Cirillo,
  • Carmen Wu,
  • Stephen S. Prime

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10113068
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 11
p. 3068

Abstract

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The discovery of a small subset of cancer cells with self-renewal properties that can give rise to phenotypically diverse tumour populations has shifted our understanding of cancer biology. Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) is becoming a promising therapeutic strategy in various malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Diverse sub-populations of head and neck cancer stem cells (HNCSCs) have been identified previously using CSC specific markers, the most common being CD44, Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), and CD133, or by side population assays. Interestingly, distinct HNCSC subsets play different roles in the generation and progression of tumours. This article aims to review the evidence for a role of specific CSCs in HNSCC tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis, together with resistance to treatment.

Keywords