Emerging role of oncolytic viruses and stem cells in gene therapy: Should they be integrated?

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Recombinant virus-based transgene therapy shows potential in solid tumors.
• Oncolytic virotherapy is a key research area due to its immunostimulatory effects.
• Systemic delivery is crucial for metastatic cancers, requiring effective drug delivery vehicles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as carriers for systemic oncolytic virotherapy.
• To review preclinical and clinical data supporting MSCs for recombinant virus delivery.
• To focus on the application of MSCs in glioblastoma treatment.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published preclinical and clinical trial results.
• Analysis of MSC properties, including tumor-tropism and immune evasion.
• Assessment of MSCs as vehicles for recombinant virus administration.

Main Results:

• MSCs demonstrate tumor-homing and immune-evasive characteristics, making them suitable carriers.
• Published data support the use of MSCs for systemic delivery of recombinant viruses.
• The combination of MSCs and oncolytic viruses is particularly relevant for glioblastoma.

Conclusions:

• MSCs show significant potential as 'Trojan horses' for systemic oncolytic virotherapy.
• Developing modified MSCs carrying recombinant viruses can accelerate clinical application.
• This strategy offers a promising avenue for treating challenging metastatic malignancies.