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Updated: Sep 4, 2025

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Isolation from Pulp Tissue and Co-Culture with Cancer Cells to Study Their Interactions
Published on: January 7, 2019
The Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Oral Cancer and Possible Therapy Regime
Tong Yang1, Shuai Tang1, Shan Peng1
1School of Stomatology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by self-renewal, rapid proliferation, multipotent differentiation, and low immunogenicity. In addition, the tropism of MSCs towards injured tissues and tumor lesions makes them attractive candidates as cell carriers for therapeutic agent delivery and genetic material transfer. The interaction between tumor cells and MSCs in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. Oral cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in the head and neck. Although considerable improvements in the treatment of oral cancer were achieved, more effective and safer novel agents and treatments are still needed, and deeper studies on the etiology, pathology, and treatment of the oral cancer are desirable. In the past decades, many studies have reported the beneficial effects of MSCs-based therapies in the treatment of various diseases, including oral cancers. Meanwhile, other studies demonstrated that MSCs may enhance the growth and metastasis of oral cancer. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress of the effects of MSCs on oral cancers, the underlying mechanisms, and their potential applications in the treatment of oral cancers.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show dual effects in oral cancer, potentially aiding treatment or promoting tumor growth. Further research is needed to understand these interactions for effective oral cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess self-renewal, multipotency, and immune-privileged properties.
- MSCs exhibit tropism to injured tissues and tumors, making them potential therapeutic delivery vehicles.
- The role of MSCs in the oral cancer microenvironment is complex and requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research on the effects of MSCs on oral cancers.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of MSC-oral cancer interactions.
- To explore the potential applications of MSC-based therapies in oral cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating MSCs and oral cancer.
- Analysis of research on MSC mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment.
- Synthesis of findings on MSC-based therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.
Main Results:
- MSCs can exert both anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic effects in oral cancer.
- MSC-mediated effects depend on factors like MSC source, tumor stage, and microenvironment.
- Potential mechanisms include immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and direct interaction with cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- MSCs present a double-edged sword in oral cancer, necessitating careful consideration for therapeutic use.
- Understanding the intricate interactions between MSCs and oral cancer is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Further research is warranted to optimize MSC-based strategies for oral cancer therapy.
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