Prostate cancer stem cell therapy: hype or hope?

Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2008;11(4):316-9. doi: 10.1038/pcan.2008.22. Epub 2008 Apr 22.

Abstract

The stem cell concept of cancer suggests that each cancer contains a small fraction of stem cells responsible for the maintenance and progression of the disease. The implication of this concept is that by targeting and killing the cancer stem cells, it may be possible to improve survival or even cure the disease. Prostate cancer stem cell therapy is a valid goal to aim for, but there are massive hurdles to overcome, even if the concept is shown to be correct.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Treatment Outcome