Cancer stem-like cell (CSC) (CSC)

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that possess the ability for self-renewal, multi-directional differentiation, and tumor initiation. These cells are primarily responsible for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation. In the context of hepatocellular carcinoma, CSCs are often identified by markers such as CD44, CD133, and EpCAM, and their stemness is regulated by core signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin and IL-6/STAT3. Therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs in HCC frequently utilize biomimetic nanotechnology, such as nanoparticles camouflaged with homologous tumor cell membranes. This approach leverages homotypic membrane interactions to enhance the accumulation of drugs like doxorubicin or lenvatinib specifically within the tumor and its CSC niche. By delivering high payloads of therapeutic agents directly to these resistant cells, these systems aim to overcome chemoresistance and prevent disease relapse. Research in this area focuses on combining targeted delivery with modalities like sonodynamic therapy to induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in the CSC population.

Other names

Liver cancer stem cellLCSCTumor-initiating cellTICCancer stem cell

Targeting of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often involves the use of biomimetic nanoparticles coated with homologous tumor cell membranes to achieve homotypic targeting. These nanoplatforms deliver chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., doxorubicin, irinotecan) or sonosensitizers to the CSC population, overcoming drug resistance mechanisms such as enhanced DNA repair, anti-apoptosis, and drug efflux. Additionally, specific molecular pathways like Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Hedgehog, or surface markers like CD44 and CD133, are targeted to inhibit CSC self-renewal and survival.