Advances and Methods in Cancer Stem Cells

Within the complex cancer ecosystem, cancer stem cells (CSCs), possessing the self-renewal ability and pluripotent potential, are considered the driving force behind tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Understanding the intricate biology and behavior of CSCs is crucial for the development of effective cancer treatments. The multifaceted nature of CSCs demands a comprehensive understanding of their mechanisms and dynamics. Progress in techniques to identify and isolate CSCs combined with advances in molecular biology, genomics, and single-cell analysis, have enabled deeper investigations into the heterogeneity and plasticity of CSCs. Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain in our understanding of CSCs, particularly in how they interact with their microenvironment and contribute to therapy resistance. Ongoing debates focus on the best strategies to target CSCs without harming normal stem cells, and there is a pressing need for innovative approaches to overcome these challenges.

This research topic aims to delve into the latest advancements, methodologies, and discoveries in the field of CSCs. By addressing specific questions such as the molecular signatures and signaling pathways that govern CSC behavior, and testing hypotheses related to the tumor microenvironment's influence on CSCs, this research seeks to uncover novel therapeutic strategies targeting CSC vulnerabilities. The objective is to foster a deeper understanding of CSC dynamics and to explore emerging technologies that can revolutionize cancer treatment.

To gather further insights into the complex biology and therapeutic targeting of CSCs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The molecular signatures and signaling pathways that govern CSC behavior
- The tumor microenvironment's influence on CSCs
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting CSC vulnerabilities
- Emerging technologies, such as organoid and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models.

We accept different article types including Original Research articles, Mini-Reviews, Brief Research Reports, and Perspectives. A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this link.


Please note: studies consisting solely of bioinformatic investigation of publicly available genomic/transcriptomic/proteomic data do not fall within the scope of the section unless they are expanded and provide significant biological or mechanistic insight into the process being studied.

Keywords: Cancer, Cancer Stem Cells, Stem Cells, Pluripotent Cells

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.