Are Cancer Stem Cells a Suitable Target for Breast Cancer Immunotherapy?

There is substantial evidence to suggest that complete tumor eradication relies on the effective elimination of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have been widely described as mediators of resistance to conventional therapies, including chemo- and radiotherapy, as well as of tumor metastasization and relapse in different tumor types, including breast cancer. However, the resistant phenotype of CSCs makes their targeting a tough task, and immunotherapy may therefore be an interesting option. Nevertheless, although immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment have generated great enthusiasm due to recent success in clinics, breast cancer treatment mostly relies on standard approaches. In this context, we review the existing literature on the immunological properties of breast CSC and immunotherapeutic approaches to them. We will thus attempt to clarify whether there is room for the immunotargeting of breast CSCs in the current landscape of breast cancer therapies. Finally, we will provide our opinion on the CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies that could prospectively be attempted.

Automated summary

There is evidence suggesting that complete tumor eradication depends on eliminating cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the resistant nature of CSCs makes them difficult to target. Although immunotherapy has shown success in cancer treatment, standard approaches are still commonly used for breast cancer. Therefore, it is important to understand the immunological properties of breast CSCs and evaluate whether immunotherapeutic strategies can be effective in breast cancer treatment. Possible CSC-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies should be further explored.