Investigating the molecular mechanism of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in treatment of gastrointestinal cancers

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in tumor formation, drug and radiation resistance, invasive growth, metastasis, and tumor progression and are major causes of cancer-related mortality. Gastrointestinal cancers are one of the most common malignancies and causes of cancer death worldwide. Because gastrointestinal cancer stem cells are thought to be resistant to common treatments, new and effective treatments are needed. Cancer stem cells have been reported in colorectal, esophageal, gastric, liver and pancreatic cancers. Given that, understanding the formation of cancer stem cells and identifying control pathways and investigating the molecular mechanism of signaling involved in these cells and their role in cancer treatment leads to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods in basic and clinical cancer research. In this study, the functional role and molecular mechanisms of cancer stem cells in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers are investigated.