Bioengineered Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Anti-Cancer Therapy: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are utilized in advanced therapies for tissue repair and immune modulation.
• MSCs exhibit controversial roles in cancer, capable of inhibiting proliferation but also promoting tumor growth via angiogenesis and immune evasion.
• This duality necessitates careful application and bioengineering for effective cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advanced applications of MSCs in cancer therapy.
• To explore bioengineering strategies enhancing MSCs' tumor targeting and therapeutic efficacy.
• To discuss the potential of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles for drug delivery in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on MSCs in cancer therapy.
• Analysis of bioengineering strategies for MSCs.
• Discussion of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles for targeted delivery.
• Examination of ongoing clinical trials.

Main Results:

• MSCs possess natural tumor-homing capabilities, making them suitable carriers for targeted cancer treatments.
• Bioengineered MSCs can be optimized for enhanced anti-cancer effects and drug delivery.
• MSC-derived extracellular vesicles show potential for improving drug delivery efficiency to cancer cells.

Conclusions:

• Bioengineered MSCs hold significant promise for targeted solid tumor therapy and anti-cancer agent delivery.
• Further research and clinical trials are crucial to establish MSCs as effective cancer therapeutics.
• Nuanced application of MSCs, particularly through bioengineering, is key to harnessing their anti-cancer potential.