Lung Cancer Stem Cells-Origin, Diagnostic Techniques and Perspective for Therapies

Simple Summary Lung cancer is still a serious oncological problem worldwide. Thus, the biology of this cancer is of interest. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in tumor initiation and progression. Spontaneously occurring mutations accumulate in stem cells or/and progenitor cells throughout a person's lifetime resulting in the formation of CSCs. In this review, we discuss the CSC hypothesis with an emphasis on age-associated changes that govern carcinogenesis. The evidence from the scientific literature, as well as our own results and observations, has been presented. Lung cancer remains one of the most aggressive solid tumors with an overall poor prognosis. Molecular studies carried out on lung tumors during treatment have shown the phenomenon of clonal evolution, thereby promoting the occurrence of a temporal heterogeneity of the tumor. Therefore, the biology of lung cancer is interesting. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in tumor initiation and metastasis. Aging is still the most important risk factor for lung cancer development. Spontaneously occurring mutations accumulate in normal stem cells or/and progenitor cells by human life resulting in the formation of CSCs. Deepening knowledge of these complex processes and improving early recognition and markers of predictive value are of utmost importance. In this paper, we discuss the CSC hypothesis with an emphasis on age-related changes that initiate carcinogenesis. We analyze the current literature in the field, describe our own experience in CSC investigation and discuss the technical challenges with special emphasis on liquid biopsy.

Automated summary

Lung cancer poses a serious oncological issue worldwide, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) playing a crucial role in tumor initiation and metastasis. Age remains a significant risk factor for lung cancer development. The biology of this cancer continues to be an intriguing area of research, especially in terms of understanding the role of CSCs and age-related changes in carcinogenesis.