Translating preclinical insights into clinical strategies: Targeting cancer stem cells and stemness in prostate cancer

Abstract

CSCs represent a unique group within the tumor microenvironment (TME) elevating the tumorigenesis. The cause of cancer recurrence can also be investigated in the function of CSCs possessing self-renewing capabilities and differentiation into various types of cells. Prostate cancer (PCa) is a malignant disease of the urogenital system characterized by aggressive behavior and heterogeneous nature due to the dysregulation of molecular pathways and the interactions among cells within the TME. The PCa can quickly become resistant to standard chemotherapy and other kinds of therapies such as radiotherapy along with ability to mediate immune evasion. The focus of biology has been on the molecular and cellular alterations in PCa. The CSCs have been recognized as potential biomarkers for predicting the outcome of prostate PCa. Furthermore, a positive correlation exists between CSCs and the metastatic growth and stemness of PCa. The existence of hypoxia enhances the stemness of PCa, and CSCs play a role in dormancy. Genomic and epigenetic elements, including non-coding RNAs, can influence CSCs and the advancement of PCa. Additionally, therapeutic agents and nanotechnology methods aimed at targeting CSCs have been developed to inhibit CSCs in PCa treatment.