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Table 1 Cancer Stem Cell molecular signatures in different cancer types: Potential for CSC targeting

From: Therapeutics formulated to target cancer stem cells: Is it in our future?

Target Type

Specific Target

Cancer Type

Use

Cell surface markers

CD34+/CD38-

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Identification has allowed for characterization of LSCs. Too broad to use as a target for chemotherapy but is very useful in identification for further characterization.

 

CD33+

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Gemtuzumab ozogamacin

 

C-type lectin like molecule - 1 (CLL-1)

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

No clinical trials but efficacy seen in vitro and in vivo experimental studies.

Signaling Pathways

PI3K/Akt/mTOR

FDA approved therapy for renal cell carcinoma. Evidence that may be effective in other solid tumors.

Temsirolimus, Everolimus FDA approved for renal cell carcinoma.

 

Hedgehog

Evidence in basal cell carcinoma but has been identified as being up-regulated in many cancer types.

Novel GDC-0449

 

HMG-CoA reductase

Increase ROS within cells leading to apoptosis, being investigated in many cancers including CML.

Synergistic effect seen when imatinib and simvastatin in CML.

Microenvironment

Mesenchymal stem cells

Evidence in Glioma but being investigated in many solid tumors.

Used in vivo as a target, also being investigated as a drug delivery system.