Targeting Brain Tumors with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Experimental Model of the Orthotopic Glioblastoma in Rats

Despite multimodal approaches for the treatment of multiforme glioblastoma (GBM) advances in outcome have been very modest indicating the necessity of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising platform for cell-based cancer therapies because of their tumor-tropism, low immunogenicity, easy accessibility, isolation procedure, and culturing. In the present study, we assessed the tumor-tropism and biodistribution of the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION)-labeled MSCs in the orthotopic model of C6 glioblastoma in Wistar rats. As shown in in vitro studies employing confocal microscopy, high-content quantitative image cytometer, and xCelligence system MSCs exhibit a high migratory capacity towards C6 glioblastoma cells. Intravenous administration of SPION-labeled MSCs in vivo resulted in intratumoral accumulation of the tagged cells in the tumor tissues that in turn significantly enhanced the contrast of the tumor when high-field magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Subsequent biodistribution studies employing highly sensitive nonlinear magnetic response measurements (NLR-M₂) supported by histological analysis confirm the retention of MSCs in the glioblastoma. In conclusion, MSCs due to their tumor-tropism could be employed as a drug-delivery platform for future theranostic approaches.