Can we utilise the circadian clock to target cancer stem cells?

The circadian clock is implicated in the regulation of multiple cancer hallmarks and characteristics.

• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small yet significant population within many cancers, known for their self-renewal and ability to form new tumors.
• CSCs are associated with metastasis and drug resistance in cancer.
• The interactions between circadian clocks and CSCs remain largely unexplored.
• Targeting circadian clocks in CSCs may lead to new therapeutic strategies.
• Potential approaches include direct targeting of core clock molecules and optimizing the timing of anticancer therapies.

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