Liang Hao, Zhou Bin, Li Peixin, Zhang Xiaoyi, Zhang Shijie, Zhang Yaozhong, Yao Shengwen, Qu Sifeng, Chen Jun
Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, China.
Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Ann Med. 2025 Dec;57(1):2442067. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2442067. Epub 2024 Dec 23.
Increasing evidence indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and cancer stem-like cells form a special subpopulation of cells that are ubiquitous in tumors. These cells exhibit similar characteristics to those of normal stem cells in tissues; moreover, they are capable of self-renewal and differentiation, as well as high tumorigenicity and drug resistance. In prostate cancer (PCa), it is difficult to kill these cells using androgen signaling inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs. Consequently, the residual prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) mediate tumor recurrence and progression.
This review aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of PCSCs, with a particular emphasis on potential therapeutic strategies targeting these cells.
After searching in PubMed and Embase databases using 'prostate cancer' and 'cancer stem cells' as keywords, studies related were compiled and examined.
In this review, we detail the origin and characteristics of PCSCs, introduce the regulatory pathways closely related to CSC survival and stemness maintenance, and discuss the link between epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment and tumor stemness. Furthermore, we introduce the currently available therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs, including signaling pathway inhibitors, anti-apoptotic protein inhibitors, microRNAs, nanomedicine, and immunotherapy. Lastly, we summarize the limitations of current CSC research and mention future research directions.
A deeper understanding of the regulatory network and molecular markers of PCSCs could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting these cells. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated the potential of this treatment approach. In the future, this may offer alternative treatment options for PCa patients.
越来越多的证据表明，癌症干细胞（CSCs）和癌症干细胞样细胞构成了肿瘤中普遍存在的一个特殊细胞亚群。这些细胞表现出与组织中正常干细胞相似的特征；此外，它们能够自我更新和分化，还具有高致瘤性和耐药性。在前列腺癌（PCa）中，使用雄激素信号抑制剂和化疗药物很难杀死这些细胞。因此，残留的前列腺癌干细胞（PCSCs）介导肿瘤复发和进展。
本综述旨在全面、最新地概述PCSCs，特别强调针对这些细胞的潜在治疗策略。
以“前列腺癌”和“癌症干细胞”为关键词在PubMed和Embase数据库中进行检索后，对相关研究进行整理和审查。
在本综述中，我们详细阐述了PCSCs的起源和特征，介绍了与CSC存活和干性维持密切相关的调控途径，并讨论了上皮-间质转化、肿瘤微环境与肿瘤干性之间的联系。此外，我们介绍了目前可用的针对CSCs的治疗策略，包括信号通路抑制剂、抗凋亡蛋白抑制剂、微小RNA、纳米药物和免疫疗法。最后，我们总结了当前CSC研究的局限性，并提及未来的研究方向。
对PCSCs调控网络和分子标志物的更深入理解有助于开发针对这些细胞的新型治疗策略。先前的临床前研究已证明这种治疗方法的潜力。未来，这可能为PCa患者提供替代治疗选择。
