Abstract

Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge, demanding innovative approaches to enhance treatment outcomes. Among these approaches, immunotherapy has gained significant attention. This thesis explores the concept of immunotherapeutic targeting of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) antigens as a promising strategy to combat the complexities of breast cancer. It comprehensively reviews the current state of knowledge, recent developments, challenges, and future directions in this dynamic field. The thesis begins with an introduction outlining the significance of breast cancer and the critical role of BCSCs in tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence. It then sets forth the objectives, including a comprehensive literature review of BCSC-specific antigens as immunotherapeutic targets, an assessment of the current status of BCSC-specific immunotherapies, an exploration of challenges and potential solutions, and an examination of future directions and their implications for breast cancer treatment. The subsequent chapters delve into specific BCSC-specific antigens, such as CD44, ALDH1, and EpCAM, elucidating their roles in BCSC biology and their potential as targets for immunotherapy. The review encompasses preclinical and clinical studies targeting these antigens, shedding light on their promise and limitations. Challenges in BCSC-specific immunotherapy are discussed comprehensively, including tumor heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms, and the intricacies of clinical translation. Strategies for addressing these challenges, such as personalized medicine approaches and combination therapies, are proposed. The thesis concludes with an exploration of future directions in BCSC-specific immunotherapy, emphasizing the potential of combination therapies, the development of personalized treatment approaches, and the necessity of ongoing clinical trials. It underscores the significance of rigorous research in advancing BCSC-specific immunotherapies and its broader implications for cancer immunotherapy as a whole.