Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Secretome-Induced Reprogramming of Tongue Tumor Microenvironment.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Cancer Microenvironment Research

Background:

• Oral tongue cancer is aggressive, with its tumor microenvironment (TME) driving progression and treatment resistance.
• Current therapies inadequately address the TME's complexity, necessitating novel strategies.
• Dental pulp stem cell-derived secretome (DPSC-Sec) offers a rich source of bioactive molecules for TME modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of DPSC-Sec in reprogramming the TME of oral tongue cancer.
• To explore DPSC-Sec's mechanisms of action within the TME.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical studies on DPSC-Sec and tongue cancer.
• Analysis of DPSC-Sec's molecular components and their effects on TME cells.
• Evaluation of evidence for DPSC-Sec's impact on cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and angiogenesis.

Main Results:

• DPSC-Sec demonstrates potential to inhibit cancer-associated fibroblasts and reprogram immunosuppressive cells.
• It may remodel the extracellular matrix, normalize angiogenesis, and regulate oncogenic pathways.
• Priming methods significantly influence DPSC-Sec's therapeutic potency.

Conclusions:

• DPSC-Sec is a promising therapeutic agent for modulating the tongue cancer TME.
• Further validation in immunocompetent models and rigorous safety assessments are crucial for clinical translation.
• Combination strategies with biomaterials or conventional therapies could enhance efficacy.