[Cancer stem cells, cornerstone of radioresistance and perspectives for radiosensitization: glioblastoma as an example]

Abstract

Cancer stem cells are a subject of increasing interest in oncology. In particular, several data suggest that cancer stem cells are involved in the mechanisms of tumor radioresistance, and may explain the therapeutic failures after radiotherapy. Because of its poor prognosis and high recurrence rate after irradiation, glioblastoma model is often studied in the search for new radiosensitizers. There are several preclinical data suggesting that cancer stem cells could be a potential therapeutic target for improving the biological effectiveness of radiation therapy. Through the example of glioblastoma, we review the main signaling pathways involved in the mechanisms of radiation resistance of cancer stem cells and for which pharmacological targeting could potentially enhance tumor radiosensitivity.