Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy: Promises and Challenges

“MSCs hold great promise as a therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy due to their immunomodulatory properties, tumor-homing abilities, and potential as carriers for delivering therapeutic agents.”

BUFFALO, NY - December 3, 2024 – A new review was published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on November 22, 2024, entitled “Mesenchymal stem cells - the secret agents of cancer immunotherapy: Promises, challenges, and surprising twists."

Authored by Theia Minev, Shani Balbuena, Jaya Mini Gill, Francesco M. Marincola, Santosh Kesari, and Feng Lin from CureScience Institute, Sonata Therapeutics, and Pacific Neuroscience Institute and Providence Saint John’s Health Center, this review explores the potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cancer treatment. These stem cells can naturally target tumors and deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes while reducing side effects commonly associated with traditional therapies like chemotherapy. However, the authors also note significant challenges, pointing out that under certain conditions, MSCs may unintentionally promote tumor growth, highlighting the need for careful therapeutic design.

MSCs are cells that can develop in different types of tissues, such as bone, fat, or cartilage, and act as natural repair agents. What makes them particularly special is their ability to respond to biological signals, like inflammation, which is often present in cancer. This enables them to locate tumors, and once there, they can deliver cancer treatments directly to the affected area.

Clinical trials are already investigating MSC-based treatments for cancers such as brain tumors, melanoma, and ovarian cancer. Some results are promising, showing that MSCs can effectively deliver treatments and boost the immune system’s fight against cancer. However, other trials have also revealed the complexities of MSC behavior, including variability in their effects and the potential to create conditions that support tumor growth. 

“This variability may be due to the tumor immune microenvironment’s effects, where immune cells are inhibited by various factors, creating a conducive environment for tumor growth.” 

The authors also suggest that “Developing personalized MSC therapies tailored to the specific characteristics of a patient’s tumor and immune system could enhance the efficacy and safety of MSC-based treatments.” Achieving this requires a deeper understanding of how MSCs interact with cancer cells and their surrounding environment.

In conclusion, this review highlights both the potential and challenges of (MSCs in cancer therapy. With ongoing research and technological advancements, MSCs could become a key component of personalized cancer treatments, offering new hope for patients worldwide.

Continue reading: DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28672

Correspondence to: Feng Lin - flin@curescience.org

Keywords: cancer, mesenchymal stem cells, genetic engineering, cancer immunotherapy, mesenchymal stem cell homing, stem cell delivery

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