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Published on: July 16, 2018
Advances in stem cell therapy against gliomas
M Sarah S Bovenberg1, M Hannah Degeling, Bakhos A Tannous
1Experimental Therapeutics and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
Abstract:
Malignant gliomas are one of the most lethal cancers, and despite extensive research very little progress has been made in improving prognosis. Multimodality treatment combining surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy is the current gold standard, but effective treatment remains difficult due to the invasive nature and high recurrence of gliomas. Stem cell-based therapy using neural, mesenchymal, or hematopoietic stem cells may be an alternative approach because it is tumor selective and allows targeted therapy that spares healthy brain tissue. Stem cells can be used to establish a long-term antitumor response by stimulating the immune system and delivering prodrug, metabolizing genes, or oncolytic viruses. In this review, we discuss current trends and the latest developments in stem cell therapy against malignant gliomas from both the experimental laboratory and the clinic.
Insights
Stem cell therapy offers a promising, tumor-selective approach for treating malignant gliomas, potentially overcoming limitations of current treatments. This method leverages stem cells to target cancer cells and stimulate anti-tumor responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Malignant gliomas are aggressive brain tumors with poor prognoses.
- Current treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) have limitations due to invasiveness and recurrence.
- Stem cell-based therapy presents a novel, tumor-selective alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current trends and recent advancements in stem cell therapy for malignant gliomas.
- To explore the potential of various stem cell types in targeting brain tumors.
- To discuss mechanisms of stem cell-mediated anti-tumor effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and clinical studies on stem cell therapy for gliomas.
- Analysis of stem cell types including neural, mesenchymal, and hematopoietic stem cells.
- Examination of therapeutic strategies utilizing stem cells for targeted delivery.
Main Results:
- Stem cell therapy demonstrates tumor selectivity, sparing healthy brain tissue.
- Stem cells can be engineered to deliver therapeutic agents like prodrugs or oncolytic viruses.
- Potential for long-term antitumor responses through immune system stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell therapy is a viable and evolving strategy for malignant glioma treatment.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to optimize this approach.
- This therapy holds promise for improving outcomes in patients with brain tumors.
