Markers of pancreatic cancer stem cells and their clinical and therapeutic implications

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth most common cause of death among all cancers. Poor prognosis of PC may be caused by a prevalence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a population of cancer cells showing stem cell-like characteristics. CSCs have the ability to self-renew and may initiate tumorigenesis. PC CSCs express markers such as CD133, CD24, CD44, DCLK1, CXCR4, ESA, Oct4 and ABCB1. There is a wide complexity of interaction and relationships between CSC markers in PC. These markers are negative prognostic factors and are connected with tumor recurrence and clinical progression. Additionally, PC CSCs are resistant to treatment with gemcitabine. Thus, most current therapies for PC are ineffective. Numerous studies have shown, that targeting of these proteins may increase both disease-free and overall survival in PC.