In recent years, the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory has provided a new angle in the research of cancer, and has gradually gained significance. According to this theory, the multiple drug resistance (MDR) of cancer is most likely due to the resistance of CSCs, and a significant quantity of research has been carried out into the MDR mechanisms of CSC. Over time, some of these mechanisms have been gradually accepted, including ATP-binding cassette transporters, aldehyde dehydrogenase, the CSC microenvironment and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. In the present review, we summarize these mechanisms in detail and review possible appropriate therapy plans against CSCs based on CSC theory.
Keywords: adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter; aldehydes dehydrogenase; cancer stem cell; epithelial to mesenchymal transition; microenvironment; multiple drug resistance.