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Published on: May 6, 2018
Mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles in urological cancers: Prostate, bladder, and kidney
Mohamed J Saadh1, Hayaa M Alhuthali2, Oblitas Gonzales Aníbal3
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recognized for their remarkable ability to differentiate into multiple cell types. They are also known to possess properties that can fight cancer, leading to attempts to modify MSCs for use in anticancer treatments. However, MSCs have also been found to participate in pathways that promote tumor growth. Many studies have been conducted to explore the potential of MSCs for clinical applications, but the results have been inconclusive, possibly due to the diverse nature of MSC populations. Furthermore, the conflicting roles of MSCs in inhibiting tumors and promoting tumor growth hinder their adaptation to anticancer therapies. Antitumorigenic and protumorigenic properties of MSCs in urological cancers such as bladder, prostate, and renal are not as well established, and data comparing them are still limited. MSCs hold significant promise as a vehicle for delivering anticancer agents and suicide genes to tumors. Presently, numerous studies have concentrated on the products derived from MSCs, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a form of cell-free therapy. This work aimed to review and discuss the current knowledge of MSCs and their EVs in urological cancer therapy.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show dual roles in cancer, both fighting and promoting tumors. This review explores their potential and challenges in urological cancer therapy, including cell-free approaches using extracellular vesicles (EVs).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Urology
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit multipotency and immunomodulatory functions.
- MSCs possess both anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic properties, leading to complex roles in cancer.
- The dual nature of MSCs and diverse populations complicate their use in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on MSCs and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) in urological cancer treatment.
- To discuss the potential and limitations of MSC-based therapies for bladder, prostate, and renal cancers.
- To explore MSCs as delivery vehicles for anticancer agents and suicide genes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on MSCs and EVs in urological cancers.
- Analysis of MSCs' antitumorigenic and protumorigenic mechanisms.
- Evaluation of cell-based and cell-free (EVs) therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- MSCs have demonstrated potential in fighting cancer, but also promote tumor growth.
- Data on MSCs' specific roles in urological cancers (bladder, prostate, renal) are limited and conflicting.
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MSCs are emerging as promising cell-free therapeutic agents.
Conclusions:
- MSCs offer potential for urological cancer therapy, particularly as drug/gene delivery vehicles.
- Further research is needed to clarify MSCs' dual roles and optimize their therapeutic application.
- MSC-derived EVs represent a promising avenue for cell-free urological cancer treatment.
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