Novel therapeutic approaches targeting cancer stem cells: Unveiling new frontiers in breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of mortality among women with cancer. This article delves into the intricate relationship between breast cancer and cancer stem cells (CSCs), emphasizing advanced methods for their identification and isolation. The key isolation techniques, such as the mammosphere formation assay, surface marker identification, Side Population assay, and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase assay, are critically examined. Furthermore, the review analyzes CSC-specific molecular signaling pathways, focusing on actionable targets like CD44/CD24, Nanog, and Oct4. The potential of targeted therapies and small molecules that disrupt these pathways is explored. Additionally, the review highlights immunotherapy strategies against CSCs, focusing on resistance mechanisms and the critical role of precision medicine. The study investigates how precision medicine enhances therapeutic outcomes by targeting specific CSC biomarkers. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into recent advancements and emerging strategies in breast cancer treatment, pointing toward future therapeutic innovations.