Stem cells: a potential target in colorectal cancer?

摘要

It is clear that the intestine is a highly susceptible cancer site, possibly related to the fact that the intestinal epithelium is a rapidly proliferating and perpetually differentiating epithelium. The large number of cell divisions, in order to maintain gut homeostasis, increases the likelihood of cells accruing genetic mutations. Additionally, the gut is constantly exposed to a harsh milieu from exposure to potential toxins and carcinogens within digested food, which is particularly of relevance due to the recent trend towards the consumption of processed foods [1].