Colon cancer stem cell (CCSC) (CCSC)

Colon cancer stem cells (CCSCs) are a specialized subpopulation of tumor cells within colorectal cancers, defined by their capabilities for self-renewal, multilineage differentiation, and tumor initiation. These cells drive tumor growth, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence by activating specific molecular pathways, especially Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, and PI3K/AKT. CCSCs can be identified and characterized by certain cell surface markers such as CD133, Lgr5, CD166, and ALDH1. Current therapeutic research is focused on targeting CCSCs to improve treatment efficacy and reduce relapse, with agents being developed against the pathways maintaining their stemness and unique surface markers. Safety remains a concern, as effective targeting must distinguish CCSCs from normal regenerative stem cells of the gut.

Other names

Colorectal cancer stem cellCRC stem cellCancer-initiating cell (in context of colon/colorectal cancer)

Inhibition of signaling pathways required for CSC maintenance (Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β); Induction of apoptosis in stem cell compartment; Targeting cell surface markers (e.g., CD133, Lgr5) for immune-mediated killing or drug delivery