Published online Dec 26, 2020. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i12.1439
Peer-review started: March 30, 2020
First decision: September 21, 2020
Revised: October 7, 2020
Accepted: October 27, 2020
Article in press: October 27, 2020
Published online: December 26, 2020
Processing time: 272 Days and 19.5 Hours
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) with potential of self-renewal drive tumorigenesis. Brain tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as a critical regulator of malignancy progression. Many researchers are searching new ways to characterize tumors with the goal of predicting how they respond to treatment. Here, we describe the striking parallels between normal stem cells and CSCs. We review the microenvironmental aspects of brain tumors, in particular composition and vital roles of immune cells infiltrating glioma and medulloblastoma. By highlighting that CSCs cooperate with TME via various cellular communication approaches, we discuss the recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting the components of TME. Identification of the complex and interconnected factors can facilitate the development of promising treatments for these deadly malignancies.
Core Tip: To better understand the effects of interplaying between cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and tumor microenvironment (TME) on brain tumor progression, we review the distinct characters of CSCs and the mechanisms regarding how TME regulates CSC self-renewal. Moreover, we emphasize the valuable application of sing-cell RNA sequencing technology in the cancer research.