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Mesenchymal stem cells in cancer: tumor-associated fibroblasts and cell-based delivery vehicles

Brett Hall1, Jennifer Dembinski, A Kate Sasser

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Center for Childhood Cancer, Columbus Children's Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.

International Journal of Hematology
|August 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can be engineered to deliver anti-cancer agents directly to tumors, opposing their tumor-promoting effects. This review explores using MSC as cancer therapy delivery vehicles.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are increasingly recognized for their ability to home to tumor sites.
  • Within the tumor microenvironment, MSC can contribute to the development of tumor-associated stroma.
  • This interaction can paradoxically promote tumor growth and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological properties of MSC within the tumor microenvironment.
  • To discuss the potential of MSC as cellular delivery vehicles for anti-cancer agents.
  • To explore the therapeutic application of genetically modified MSC in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating MSC in the tumor microenvironment.
  • Analysis of research on genetically modified MSC for cancer therapy.
  • Discussion of bone marrow-derived cell populations as delivery systems.

Main Results:

  • MSC possess unique biological properties that facilitate their accumulation in tumors.
  • Genetic modification of MSC can equip them to produce and deliver anti-cancer proteins.
  • Engineered MSC show potential to inhibit tumor growth in situ by delivering therapeutic payloads.

Conclusions:

  • MSC can be repurposed from tumor-promoting cells to anti-tumor therapeutic agents.
  • Genetically modified MSC offer a promising platform for targeted delivery of anti-cancer proteins.
  • Further research into MSC-based therapies could lead to novel cancer treatment strategies.

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