Mesenchymal stem cells as professional actors in gastrointestinal cancer therapy: From Naïve to genetically modified

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers have high incidence and mortality rates globally.
• Conventional GI cancer treatments face limitations including drug resistance, poor targeting, and systemic toxicity.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a cell-based therapeutic strategy for GI cancer.
• To discuss the application of both unmodified and genetically modified MSCs for GI cancer treatment.
• To explore MSCs as delivery vehicles for various anticancer agents.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on MSCs in cancer therapy.
• Analysis of MSC characteristics relevant to cancer treatment.
• Discussion of MSC-mediated delivery of genes, viruses, and drugs.
• Exploration of MSCs' direct anti-cancer mechanisms.

Main Results:

• MSCs possess inherent anti-cancer properties and can be engineered as effective drug delivery vehicles.
• MSCs can target tumor sites, enhancing drug concentration and reducing systemic side effects.
• Both native and modified MSCs demonstrate potential in eradicating GI cancer cells through various mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Mesenchymal stem cells represent a versatile platform for advancing GI cancer therapy.
• MSCs can overcome key challenges associated with conventional treatments, offering improved efficacy and safety.
• Further research into genetically modified MSCs holds significant promise for future GI cancer treatment paradigms.