Emerging strategies for the treatment of tumor stem cells in central nervous system malignancies

Abstract

High-grade central nervous system (CNS) tumors are notorious for high rates of recurrence and poor outcomes. A small cohort of tumor cells, dubbed tumor stem cells (TSC), are now being recognized as an important subset of the tumor that is resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and account for the high recurrence rates. Recent research is developing modalities to target TSCs specifically in a bid to improve the response of the tumor as a whole. The methods being employed to target TSCs include targeting TSC-specific pathways or receptors, TSC sensitizing agents to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, immunotherapy, TSC differentiating agents, and viral therapy. This chapter provides an overview of strategies that are expected to help develop new and more effective treatments for CNS tumors.