Harnessing the apoptotic programs in cancer stem‐like cells |
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Authors: | Ying‐Hua Wang David T Scadden |
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Affiliation: | 1. Center for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA;2. Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA;3. Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA |
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Abstract: | Elimination of malignant cells is an unmet challenge for most human cancer types even with therapies targeting specific driver mutations. Therefore, a multi‐pronged strategy to alter cancer cell biology on multiple levels is increasingly recognized as essential for cancer cure. One such aspect of cancer cell biology is the relative apoptosis resistance of tumor‐initiating cells. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms affecting the apoptotic process in tumor cells emphasizing the differences in the tumor‐initiating or stem‐like cells of cancer. Further, we summarize efforts to exploit these differences to design therapies targeting that important cancer cell population. |
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Keywords: | apoptosis cancer stem cells cancer therapy |
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