Prof. Zifu Li E-Mail
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Research Keywords: Cancer therapies, Nanomedicine, Cancer stem cells, Immunotherapies, Cancer mechanics, Drug delivery
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a self-renewing, highly tumorigenic subpopulation of tumor cells, which are notorious for strong chemoresistance and are often responsible for tumor invasion, metastasis and recurrence. Thus, developing CSC targeting therapies, including small molecules, biologics, and nanomedicine, is considered a more expeditionary and promising task for effective cancer treatment. Thanks to the improved understanding of biological heterogeneity of CSCs, exponentially growing studies have been dedicated to the eradication of CSCs, which include CSC biomarkers, CSC metabolism, CSC regulating signaling pathways, and CSC niches. However, the clinical implementation of these strategies still has a long way to go. Discovery of more potent anti-CSC treatments, either as mono- or combination- therapy, is urgently needed.
This special issue aims to discuss the latest progress of CSC targeting therapies, including small molecular entities, biologics and drug delivery systems. This is a very useful resource for researchers who are actively involved in CSC research. We accept original research articles, critical review papers, and commentaries that provide a further understanding on CSC targeting cancer therapies.
Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:
CSC targeting small molecules;
CSC targeting antibodies;
CSC targeting peptides;
CSC targeting aptamers;
CSC targeting antibody drug conjugates;
CSC targeting CAR-T;
CSC targeting nanomedicine;
CSC self-maintaining and survival;
CSC in treatment resistance