Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Based Delivery: A Rapidly Evolving Strategy for Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) exhibit tumor tropism, positioning them as potential cancer therapeutics.
• The role of MSCs in cancer is debated, with evidence suggesting both tumor promotion and suppression.
• Extensive preclinical and clinical research investigates MSC-based therapies for various malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest findings on MSCs as gene/drug delivery vehicles for cancer therapy.
• To evaluate the potential of MSCs in inducing tumor regression.
• To focus on in vivo studies from the past two decades.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on MSC-based cancer therapy.
• Analysis of studies employing MSCs for delivering therapeutic agents like TRAIL, chemotherapeutics, prodrugs, cytokines, and oncolytic viruses.
• Focus on in vivo evidence regarding MSC efficacy in tumor regression.

Main Results:

• MSCs are explored as delivery vehicles for diverse anti-cancer agents, including tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, 5-fluorocytosine, ganciclovir, cytokines, and oncolytic viruses.
• Preclinical and clinical studies are evaluating the safety and efficacy of MSC-mediated drug delivery across various cancers.
• Evidence suggests MSCs can be engineered to deliver therapeutic payloads, potentially leading to tumor regression.

Conclusions:

• MSCs hold significant potential as versatile delivery vehicles for cancer gene and drug therapy.
• Further research, particularly in vivo studies, is crucial to solidify the therapeutic application of MSCs in oncology.
• Optimizing MSC-based strategies is key to harnessing their capabilities for effective tumor regression.