Stem cell-based therapy treating glioblastoma multiforme.

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Glioblastoma (GB) is a grade IV central nervous system tumor with a poor prognosis, often resistant to current treatments.
• Factors like the blood-brain barrier and tumor cell infiltration limit therapeutic efficacy.
• Novel strategies are crucial for effective glioblastoma treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review stem cell (SC)-based therapies for glioblastoma (GB) treatment.
• To explore the potential of SCs and SC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in targeting GB.
• To discuss the use of SCs as diagnostic tools for GB.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on stem cell (SC)-based glioblastoma (GB) therapy.
• Focus on SCs engineered to carry anti-cancer payloads.
• Examination of SC-released extracellular vesicles (EVs) for therapeutic delivery.
• Assessment of SCs for diagnostic applications in GB.

Main Results:

• Stem cells (SCs) demonstrate tropism for tumor cells, enabling targeted delivery.
• Engineered SCs and their EVs can be modified to deliver anti-cancer agents effectively.
• SCs show potential for both therapeutic intervention and diagnostic applications in glioblastoma.

Conclusions:

• Stem cell (SC)-based therapies, including modified SCs and EVs, represent a promising avenue for overcoming glioblastoma (GB) treatment resistance.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and optimize SC-based strategies for clinical application.
• SCs offer a dual role in glioblastoma management: therapy and diagnostics.