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Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Processing of Primary Brain Tumor Tissue for Stem Cell Assays and Flow Sorting
Published on: September 25, 2012
Stem cell-based therapies for tumors in the brain: are we there yet?
1Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (K.S.); Molecular Neurotherapy and Imaging Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (K.S.); Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (K.S.); Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (K.S.); Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts (K.S.).
Abstract:
Advances in understanding adult stem cell biology have facilitated the development of novel cell-based therapies for cancer. Recent developments in conventional therapies (eg, tumor resection techniques, chemotherapy strategies, and radiation therapy) for treating both metastatic and primary tumors in the brain, particularly glioblastoma have not resulted in a marked increase in patient survival. Preclinical studies have shown that multiple stem cell types exhibit inherent tropism and migrate to the sites of malignancy. Recent studies have validated the feasibility potential of using engineered stem cells as therapeutic agents to target and eliminate malignant tumor cells in the brain. This review will discuss the recent progress in the therapeutic potential of stem cells for tumors in the brain and also provide perspectives for future preclinical studies and clinical translation.
Insights
Adult stem cells offer new cancer treatments. Engineered stem cells show promise for targeting brain tumors, potentially improving survival rates for glioblastoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Conventional therapies for brain tumors, including glioblastoma, have limited impact on patient survival.
- Adult stem cell biology advances enable novel cell-based cancer therapies.
- Stem cells naturally migrate to tumor sites, offering targeted delivery potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in stem cell-based therapies for brain tumors.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of engineered stem cells for targeting brain malignancies.
- To provide perspectives on future preclinical studies and clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies on stem cell tropism and migration to brain tumors.
- Analysis of research on engineered stem cells for targeted cancer therapy.
- Synthesis of current literature on stem cell applications in neuro-oncology.
Main Results:
- Multiple stem cell types demonstrate inherent tropism towards malignant brain tumors.
- Engineered stem cells are feasible therapeutic agents for targeting and eliminating brain tumor cells.
- Recent studies validate the potential of stem cell-based approaches for brain cancer.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell-based therapies represent a promising strategy for treating brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma.
- Engineered stem cells offer a targeted approach to combat brain malignancies.
- Further preclinical and clinical research is warranted to translate these findings into effective patient treatments.
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