Chapter 7

Cancer Stem Cells in Pancreatic and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Similarities and Differences

Simona Olimpia Dima, Dana Cucu, Nicolae Bacalbasa, Valeria Tica and Irinel Popescu

Abstract

The objective of the present chapter is to discuss the identification of cancer stem cells (CSC) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to briefly overview the current therapies targeting this cell population. The reason to restrict the discussion to these particular cancer types is that both are described by a poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. Therefore, CSC may be an important hint in improving the therapeutic approach in both instances. Due to the capacity of CSC to escape chemo and radiotherapy, novel means of approaching these cells are necessary in order to improve outcome therapeutically.

Total Pages: 187-201 (15)

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