Potential targets for improving radiosensitivity of breast tumor-initiating cells

Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2010 Feb;10(2):152-6. doi: 10.2174/187152010790909362.

Abstract

Recent studies have suggested that a specific small population of cells termed tumor-initiating cells (TICs) may be intrinsically resistant to therapy including radiation, and may therefore be the primary mediators of recurrence. Numerous targets are being explored using multiple approaches for their involvement in the self-renewal or survival as well as radioresistance of breast TICs. These studies will provide a broad range of compounds to be tested and to develop novel TIC radiosensitizers that will improve clinical outcome and decrease recurrence of cancer after radiation. In this review we will discuss recent efforts to identify and target these cells to selectively radiosensitize them with novel agents, as well as the TIC radiosensitizing potential of current therapies already in clinical use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Combined Modality Therapy / trends
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / radiation effects*
  • Radiation Tolerance / drug effects
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents