Elimination of Colon Cancer Stem-like Cells by FOLFOX based Chemotherapy

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are rare sub-population of tumor with ability to differentiate and self-renew. Some properties of CSCs such as increased ability to repair damaged DNA, as well as increased expression of transporters responsible for drug efflux make them main agents for resistance to chemotherapy. In colon cancer, FOLFOX is a common therapy. In this study, we have analyzed the effects of FOLFOX on CSCs population of colon cancer cell line. Results show that in addition to a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, FOLFOX caused a decrease in SP cells relative to untreated controls.

Keywords:

FOLFOX , Caco-2 , Cancer stem cell , Chemotherapy , Side Population cells