Cell Therapy as Target Therapy against Colon Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with properties, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity. CSCs have been proposed as a plausible therapeutic target as they are responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and conventional therapy resistance. Selectively targeting CSCs is a promising strategy to eliminate the propagation of tumor cells and impair overall tumor development. Recent research shows that several immune cells play a crucial role in regulating tumor cell proliferation by regulating different CSC maintenance or proliferation pathways. There have been great advances in cellular immunotherapy using T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, or stem cells for the selective targeting of tumor cells or CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review summarizes the CRC molecular profiles that may benefit from said therapy and the main vehicles used in cell therapy against CSCs. We also discuss the challenges, limitations, and advantages of combining conventional and/or current targeted treatments in the late stages of CRC.

Automated summary

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have unique properties and are responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Recent research shows that immune cells play a crucial role in regulating CSCs. Cellular immunotherapy using T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, or stem cells has shown promising results in targeting CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC). This review summarizes CRC molecular profiles that may benefit from this therapy and discusses the challenges and advantages of combining conventional and targeted treatments in the late stages of CRC.