Editorial: Plant-based drugs: the potential novel therapeutic intervention against cancer stemness and metastasis

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Editorial on the Research Topic Plant-based drugs: the potential novel therapeutic intervention against cancer stemness and metastasis Cancer is the second most common fatal disease leading to death worldwide. Metastatic growth in distant organs is the main reason for increased cancer mortality Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in each step of the metastatic cascade, from cancer cell invasion into blood vessels, survival in the bloodstream, attachment and extravasation to colonization of the host organ and subsequent formation of macro and micro metastases CSCs are a small subpopulation of cells in tumors with self-renewal and differentiation capabilities that contribute to tumor growth, recurrence and metastatic spread. No successful therapies have been developed that target cancer stem cells to prevent metastasis. Currently available cancer treatment approaches including surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not sufficient to target CSCs Therefore, we need to focus more on CSC as a major cause of cancer metastasis and compile the latest research to design future studies targeting CSC. Our Research Topic aims to explore current and future strategies for CSC targeted cancer therapies to prevent cancer metastasis in a way that is promising for patients. This editorial aims to provide a brief overview of the current state of research in this area and to highlight the promising aspects and challenges. This Research Topic comprises of five articles, including two original research articles, two reviews and one systemic review.