Prostate cancer stem cells: their role in prostate cancer and new therapies to target them

Abstract

Author(s): Pavan Kumar Rambatla, Radha Krishna Nagumantri, Satyanarayana Rentala, Shanti Latha Pandrangi and Sireesha V Garimella*

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Prostate Cancer Stem cells (PCSC) play an important role in the relapse of PCa and its resistance to standard cancer therapeutics. This makes it important to study the role of Prostate cancer stem cells in PCa. We need to target and eradicate PCSCs in order to completely cure PCa and prevent PCa relapse. Markers that specifically identify PCSCs, such as ALDH, PSCA, CD44, will help in characterizing these cells, help in diagnostic procedures and in tracking the progression of cancer. Drugs such as Napabucasin and Trabectedin have been shown to specifically target PCSCs. Several miRNAs such as miR-34a, miR-7 have been shown to directly inhibit PCSCs. Natural metabolites like Galiellalactone and Parthenolide target PCSCs and have the advantage of reduced side effects. Nonconventional molecular pathways such as Chemokines and MMPs play critical roles in all the aspects of PCa and its progression, including PCSCs maintenance and propagation. A detailed understanding of the role of these pathways in PCa is essential to effectively curtail the disorder.

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