Cancer Stem-Cell Theory Essay - 739 Words

The cancer stem cell theory hypothesizes that tumors or cancers arise from mutations or epigenetic changes in normal stem cells. These mutated or genetically altered stem cells possess the properties of the normal stem cells such as the ability to self-renew, differentiate into any type of body cell, and resist apoptosis. Hence, the cancer stem cells (CSC) are named so. It is also suggested that because of the above-mentioned properties of the cancer stem cells, the current anti-cancer therapies are not entirely successful (Gil et al, 2008). Despite surgery and other therapies, even if very few of these cancer stem cells survive, they can continue to act as a source for more tumors, even though the therapies eliminate all visible signs†¦show more content†¦Some strategies that can be used to target the cancer stem cells: 1) Stem cells possess markers that are different from the differentiated cells. One method can be to develop treatments that target only the cancer stem cells and not the healthy differentiated cells. 2) Investigate to find markers that distinguish between cancer stem cells and healthy stem cells. 3) Prevent self-renewal of the stem cells within the tumor mass: Targeting proteins that regulate the cell cycle in the cells of the tumor mass can be a potential strategy to prevent the self-renewal of the cancer stem cells. Bao et al (2006) reported that proteins involved in regulating cell cycle, especially at the checkpoints play an important role in determining the CSC resistance to radiotherapy. This is because radiotherapy leads to DNA damage, which activates the checkpoint proteins and increases their expression. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that inhibition of checkpoint proteins such as Chk1 and Chk2 decrease the radiotherapy resistance ability of the brain stem cells that were previously radiotherapy resistant (Gil et al, 2008). This strategy coupled with radiotherapy and/or elimination of the tumor mass by surgery can potentially prevent relapse of cancer. Tumor progression or cancer development in humans takes decades to develop because this process requires multiple insults like mutations and epigenetic changes in the DNA. These changesShow MoreRelatedThe Theory Of Cancer Stem Cell Theory991 Words   |  4 PagesCommunity has two main theories about how cancer grows to form tumors. The cancer stem cell theory states that tumors are like normal cells because stem cells control their growth (Blanpain, 2015). However the contradicting theory is the stochastic model in which all cells have the ability to grow and divide, so the cells that make up a tumor are not organized in any sort of system. I take the stance that tumors are grown through an organized system and that cancer stem cells are at the center of theRead MoreCancer And Its Effects On Cancer Essay1504 Words   |  7 Pagespeople in the world suffer from cancer. In the year 2017, it is estimated that nearly 2 million new cancer cases will occur in the United States, leading to approximately more than half a million deaths (Cancer Facts Figures, 2016, p.1). However, despite the drastic numbers shown in this data, it is almost a 20% decrease from data collected in previous years (Tao Kiera, 2015, p.1). The increased survival rate of cancer patients is mainly due to advances in cancer research and the incorporationRead MoreStem Cells and Their Effect on Tumor Growth and Cancer Creation997 Words   |  4 PagesZoology Stem Cells and Their Effect on Tumor Growth and Cancer Creation Stem cells are a growing phenomenon in the cancer research world. Researchers are getting closer and closer to a cure, they are exploring other options to treat cancer. Stem cells are relatively new to the medical world, making their first appearance in 1956 (†Timeline for Stem Cell Research†, 1), and as with everything, there are flaws. Despite these flaws, stem cell treatment is something more people are turning to, asRead MoreThe Remarkable Abilites of Stem Cells1441 Words   |  6 PagesAn undifferentiated cell of a multicellular organism that can give rise to one or more type of specialized cell and arise by differentiation is call a Stem Cell. With their remarkable abilities Stem Cells, during early life or growth, serve many tissues as some call an internal repair system as long as the host is still alive. Renewing themselves during cell division and become an organ specific cells with unique functions to repair and replace damaged tissues. Animal and humans alw ays been theRead MoreSymptoms And Treatment Of Cancer1303 Words   |  6 Pages Cancer, also known as malignant neoplasm, the hallmark characteristic involves uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Under normal conditions cell grow, divide and die, but in cancer cells the defect takes place at the gene level leading to the formation of an abnormal DNA. As genes are the basic control machines of the cell, alteration of any kind may bring devastating consequences, or malignancy. Moreover, in normal cells damage of any kind is taken care by the repair system but in cancer cellsRead MoreThe Importance Of Stem Cells1338 Words   |  6 Pagesbase of their discovery, stem cells have been known to be able to regenerate themselves, fighting bacteria and disease, and have the component of being unspecialized. This component of being unspecialized gives way for scientists and researchers to give stem cells a specific function to target and help repair tissues and systems. Such bacteria and d isease stem cells may eradicate and prevent from plaguing people are Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, spinal cord injuries, cancer, and much more. It hasRead MoreEssay Finding a Cure: Stem Cell Research1321 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Cancer is a disease that will come after you, your family, your work, and every facet of your life.† It is the second leading cause of deaths in the United States, and is directly associated to obesity. In fact, one out of every three woman, and half of men, will develop cancer in their lifetimes. Cancer attacks health, attitude, and confidence with array of chemicals, tests, treatments, and paperwork. In many cases it will come back, even stronger and terrifying. Since cancer is such an immenseRead MoreA Theory of the Cause of Skin Cancer Essay1642 Words   |  7 PagesA Theory of the Cause of Skin Cancer This theory of cancer was presented in detail in the book One Answer to Cancer by Dr William Kelley, although certain adaptations have been made. You would be well served to look at the original book available for free on the internet. According to the theory, a person cannot have cancer unless three factors are present. These three factors are: (I) The presence of a certain type of cell that becomes genetically damaged. In theRead MoreThe Treatment Of Cancer Therapy980 Words   |  4 PagesCancer Therapy Cancer is one of the more prevalent diseases in our world today. It’s a horrifying diagnosis that affects not only the patient, but their families and loved ones as well. As nurses, we deal head on with this diagnoses on a daily basis. Holding a strong front becomes hard, when inside, you’re crumbling while looking at the sweet 4 year old girl, taking her last breath in the face of her leukemia with a smile on her face. Hopefully one day, we won’t have to endure the pain and heartbreakRead MoreThe Importance Of Cancer Cells In Tumours1264 Words   |  6 Pages13It is well documented that many types of tumours contain cancer cells with heterogeneous phenotypes reflecting aspects of the differentiation that normally occurs in the tissues from which the tumours arise. The variable expression of normal differentiation markers by cancer cells in a tumour suggests that some of the heterogeneity in tumours arises as a result of the anomalous differentiation of tumour c ells. Examples of this include the variable expression of myeloid markers in chronic myeloid