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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

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Isolation of Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy
Published on: December 28, 2021
Adipose tissue-derived stem cells promote prostate tumor growth
Lukas Prantl1, Fabian Muehlberg, Nora M Navone
1Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
The Prostate
|June 22, 2010
Summary
Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) promote prostate cancer progression when co-injected with cancer cells. This study shows hASCs engraft and enhance tumor growth, suggesting new therapeutic targets for prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Prostate Cancer Research
Background:
- Cancer stem cells are key in tumor initiation and maintenance.
- Tissue-resident stem cells influence tumor progression, particularly in breast cancer.
- The role of tissue-resident stem cells in prostate cancer remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) on prostate cancer tumor biology.
- To determine if hASCs promote tumor growth when co-injected with prostate cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous injection of human prostate cancer cells (MDA PCa 118b) with or without GFP-labeled hASCs into athymic mice.
- Tumor growth and volume were monitored for 3 weeks using calipers and micro-CT.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect engrafted hASCs within tumor sections.
Main Results:
- Co-injection of MDA PCa 118b cells with hASCs resulted in significantly larger tumors compared to cancer cells alone.
- Engrafted hASCs expressed Ki67, indicating proliferation, and endothelial markers, suggesting vascular integration.
- hASCs were successfully engrafted and integrated into tumor vasculature.
Conclusions:
- Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) promote prostate cancer progression when co-injected with cancer cells.
- ASCs engraft and contribute to tumor growth, highlighting their role in prostate cancer biology.
- Further research into tumor-stem cell interactions may unveil novel therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.

