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Ultrasound-guided Intracardiac Injection of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Increase Homing to the Intestine for Use in Murine Models of Experimental Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
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The Roles of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Gastrointestinal Cancers

Ze Xiang1, Menglu Hua1, Zhou Hao2

  • 1School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|March 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties beneficial for tissue repair. This review explores their multifaceted roles in gastrointestinal cancers, proposing MSCs as potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit potent immunomodulatory and regenerative capabilities.
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide.
  • Accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of GI cancers remain critical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the context of gastrointestinal cancers.
  • To explore the roles of MSCs in the growth, metastasis, and treatment of GI cancers.
  • To propose MSCs as potential therapeutic targets and strategies for GI cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review summarizing existing research on MSCs and GI cancers.
  • Focus on key GI malignancies including esophageal, gastric, liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.
  • Analysis of MSCs' involvement in cancer progression and therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

  • MSCs play complex roles in GI cancer, influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and immune response.
  • Evidence suggests MSCs can be harnessed for therapeutic interventions in GI cancers.
  • The immunomodulatory and differentiation potential of MSCs offers avenues for novel treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pivotal in GI cancer pathogenesis and progression.
  • Targeting MSCs presents a promising strategy for effective GI cancer therapy.
  • Further research into MSC-based treatments could significantly improve clinical outcomes for GI cancer patients.
Keywords:
bilateral rolesgastrointestinal cancersmediating mechanismmesenchymal stem cellstherapeutic targets

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