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Mesenchymal Stem Cell Isolation from Pulp Tissue and Co-Culture with Cancer Cells to Study Their Interactions
Published on: January 7, 2019
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cancer: Clinical Challenges and Opportunities
Weiping Lin1,2, Linfeng Huang1, Ying Li1
1Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Stem cell-based therapies exhibit profound therapeutic potential for treating various human diseases, including cancer. Among the cell types that can be used for this purpose, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as promising source of stem cells in personalized cell-based therapies. The inherent tumor-tropic property of MSCs can be used to target cancer cells. Although the impacts of MSCs on tumor progression remain elusive, they have been genetically modified or engineered as targeted anticancer agents which could inhibit tumor growth by blocking different processes of tumor. In addition, there are close interactions between MSCs and cancer stem cells (CSCs). MSCs can regulate the growth of CSCs through paracrine mechanisms. This review aims to focus on the current knowledge about MSCs-based tumor therapies, the opportunities and challenges, as well as the prospective of its further clinical implications.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for cancer therapy due to their tumor-targeting ability. Engineered MSCs can inhibit tumor growth, offering new avenues for personalized cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Stem cell therapies offer significant potential for treating diverse human diseases, notably cancer.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising source for personalized cell-based therapies.
- MSCs possess inherent tumor-tropic properties, enabling them to target cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on MSC-based tumor therapies.
- To explore the opportunities and challenges associated with MSC-based cancer treatments.
- To discuss the future clinical implications of MSCs in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mesenchymal stem cells in cancer.
- Analysis of MSCs' tumor-tropic properties and interactions with cancer stem cells (CSCs).
- Examination of genetically engineered MSCs as targeted anticancer agents.
Main Results:
- MSCs can be engineered to inhibit tumor growth by targeting various tumor processes.
- MSCs interact closely with cancer stem cells (CSCs), regulating their growth via paracrine mechanisms.
- The precise impact of MSCs on tumor progression requires further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising platform for developing novel cancer therapies.
- Engineered MSCs offer targeted approaches to inhibit tumor growth and progression.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and harness the therapeutic potential of MSCs in clinical oncology.
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