Cancer Stem Cells and Drug Resistance: Molecular Targets and Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are central to tumorigenesis, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis. This Research Topic invites contributions exploring the identification and functional characterization of CSC markers—such as CD44, SOX2, EpCAM, CD24, CD133, OCT4, and NANOG—in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Emphasis is placed on studies elucidating drug resistance mechanisms, epigenetic regulation, and novel approaches to therapeutically target CSC populations. Moreover, the topic also welcomes research on natural compounds as well as small molecules and their effectiveness in overcoming CSC-mediated resistance.

Invited Topics for the Research Topic include:

Identification and Characterization of Cancer Stem Cell Markers
 - Novel markers (e.g., CD44, SOX2, EpCAM, CD24, CD133, OCT4, NANOG) in solid tumors
 - Marker profiling in hematological malignancies

Mechanisms of Therapeutic Resistance Mediated by CSCs
 - Cellular and molecular pathways driving drug resistance
 - In vitro and in vivo models of CSC-mediated resistance

Epigenetic Regulation in CSCs
 - Role of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in CSC biology
 - Epigenetic therapies targeting CSCs

Novel Therapeutic Approaches Targeting CSCs
 - Targeted therapies and combination treatments against CSCs
 - Immunotherapy strategies addressing CSC populations

Natural Compounds and Small Molecules Against CSCs
 - Screening and effectiveness of phytochemicals and natural agents
 - Development and preclinical assessment of small molecules targeting CSCs

Clinical Translation and Challenges
 - Translational studies moving CSC-targeting strategies toward clinical application
 - Overcoming challenges in eradicating CSCs in patients

Other Related Advances
 - Omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) in CSC research
 - Tumor microenvironment interactions with CSCs

Keywords: Cancer stem cells, (CSCs) Drug resistance, CSC markers, Therapeutic strategies, Epigenetic regulation, Solid tumors.

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.