Potential Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Glioblastoma: A Therapeutic Aspect

Abstract

High-grade glioma (HGG) such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor that is still associated with poor prognosis. With the discovery and advancement in understanding of cancer stem cells (CSC) in glioma, these cells have emerged as seed cells for tumor growth and recurrence and appear as a potential target for therapeutics. Glioma stem cells (GSCs) demonstrate capacity of self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation into multiple cell types and can contribute to tumor heterogeneity. Their role is established in tumorigenesis, metastasis, chemo- and radio-resistance and appears as a major cause for tumor recurrence. Thus, targeting GSCs by various therapeutics may improve effectiveness of the drugs in use alone or in combination to significantly improve patient survival outcome in GBM cases. In this chapter, we have discussed various mechanisms that drive GSC including signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment. We have also discussed the mechanism behind resistance of GSCs toward therapeutics and the pathways that can be targeted to improve the outcome of the patients.