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Gene therapy strategies using engineered stem cells for treating gynecologic and breast cancer patients (Review)
Ye-Seul Kim1, Kyung-A Hwang1, Ryeo-Eun Go1
1Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
There are three types of stem cells: embryonic stem (ES) cells, adult stem (AS) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. These stem cells have many benefits including the potential ability to differentiate into various organs. In addition, engineered stem cells (GESTECs) designed for delivering therapeutic genes may be capable of treating human diseases including malignant cancers. Stem cells have been found to possess the potential for serving as novel delivery vehicles for therapeutic or suicide genes to primary or metastatic cancer formation sites as a part of gene-directed enzyme/prodrug combination therapy (GEPT). Given the advantageous properties of stem cells, tissue-derived stem cells are emerging as a new tool for anticancer therapy combined with prodrugs. In this review, the effects of GESTECs with different origins, i.e., neural, amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid, introduced to treat patients with diverse types of gynecologic and breast cancers are discussed. Data from the literature indicate the therapeutic potential of these cells as a part of gene therapy strategies to selectively target malignancies in women at clinically terminal stages.
Insights
Engineered stem cells (GESTECs) show promise for cancer gene therapy, acting as delivery vehicles for therapeutic genes. These stem cells offer a novel approach for treating gynecologic and breast cancers, especially in advanced stages.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Stem cells, including embryonic stem (ES) cells, adult stem (AS) cells, and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, possess differentiation potential.
- Engineered stem cells (GESTECs) are being explored for therapeutic gene delivery.
- Stem cells can serve as delivery vehicles for therapeutic or suicide genes in gene-directed enzyme/prodrug combination therapy (GEPT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of engineered stem cells (GESTECs) in treating various cancers.
- To discuss the application of GESTECs derived from neural, amniotic membrane, and amniotic fluid sources.
- To highlight the role of stem cells in anticancer therapy combined with prodrugs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating GESTECs for cancer treatment.
- Analysis of GESTECs from different origins (neural, amniotic membrane, amniotic fluid).
- Focus on applications in gynecologic and breast cancers.
Main Results:
- GESTECs demonstrate potential as delivery vehicles for therapeutic genes.
- Stem cell-based gene therapy can selectively target cancer cells.
- Tissue-derived stem cells are emerging as a tool for anticancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- GESTECs offer a promising strategy for gene therapy in treating malignancies.
- Stem cell-based approaches show potential for selectively targeting cancer sites.
- These findings support the therapeutic use of GESTECs in advanced-stage cancers.
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