From Interaction to Intervention: How Mesenchymal Stem Cells Affect and Target Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cell Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapy options due to absent hormone and HER2 receptors.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer potential by modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and interacting with cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the role of MSCs in TNBC treatment.
• To analyze MSC mechanisms, interactions with TNBC cells and the TME, and application strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review analyzing MSC-TNBC cell interactions (proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance).
• Exploration of MSC impact on TME components (immune and stromal cells).
• Assessment of MSC application strategies (cell/drug carriers) and MSC source variations.

Main Results:

• MSCs influence TNBC cell behavior and TME composition through various signaling pathways.
• MSC-based therapies can be delivered as cell or drug carriers.
• Different MSC types and sources present distinct safety and efficacy profiles.

Conclusions:

• MSCs represent a promising novel therapeutic avenue for TNBC.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and optimize MSC-based treatment strategies for TNBC.