Cancer Stem Cells Niche Regulation Within the Tumor Microenvironment

Purpose of Review Several cancer stem cells (CSCs) niches have been identified in the tumor microenvironment. Hence, it is important to review the underlying mechanisms that allow communication between the CSCs and the tumor microenvironment. Recent Findings Biofabricated extracellular matrix scaffolds could also be used to study the relationship between the tumor microenvironment and CSCs. Cancer tumor microenvironment harbors cleaved extracellular components that play a role in cancer pathogenesis. Although relatively few of them have been associated with CSCs. Hence, further studies are required to establish their correlation. Summary This review highlights the important cascades as well as the factors released by the components of tumor microenvironment. Additionally, their ability to regulate CSCs proliferation, survival, invasion and migration has also been taken into consideration.