Cancer stem-like cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC CSCs)

Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells characterized by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into the various cell types found within a liver tumor (Mishra et al., 2020, NIH). These cells play a pivotal role in tumor initiation, metastasis, and the development of resistance to standard therapies like sorafenib, which often leads to post-treatment recurrence (Ma et al., 2007, Gastroenterology). HCC CSCs are identified by specific molecular markers, including CD133, CD44, and EpCAM, and their stemness is maintained through dysregulated signaling pathways such as Wnt/beta-catenin, Notch, and Hedgehog (Yamashita et al., 2009, Gastroenterology; Vilchez et al., 2014, World J Gastroenterol). Therapeutic strategies targeting these cells aim to eradicate the root of the cancer by inhibiting these pathways or directly targeting surface markers with monoclonal antibodies or CAR-T cells (Li et al., 2015, PNAS). However, the high degree of plasticity between CSCs and non-CSCs, along with the potential for toxicity to healthy adult stem cells, remains a significant challenge in clinical development.

Other names

Liver cancer stem cellsLCSCsHepatocellular carcinoma stem cellsTumor-initiating cells in HCC

Inhibition of self-renewal signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog), targeting of surface markers (e.g., CD133, EpCAM), and modulation of the tumor microenvironment.