Deepening a Simple Question: Can MSCs Be Used to Treat Cancer?

Author(s)

Gomes, Juliana P. A. ^[1] ; Assoni, Amanda F. ^[1] ; Pelatti, Mayra ^[1] ; Coatti, Giuliana ^[1] ; Okamoto, Oswaldo Keith ^[1] ; Zatz, Mayana ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Human Genome & Stem Cell Res Ctr, Biosci Inst, Rua Matao 106, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: ANTICANCER RESEARCH; v. 37, n. 9, p. 4747-4758, SEP 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

In cancer, mesenchymal stem/ stromal cells (MSCs) have been considered as vehicles for targeted delivery of drugs due to their inherent tropism toward primary and metastatic tumors. However, it is still unclear whether MSCs could be therapeutically explored without significant harm, since a great amound of evidence indicates that MSCs are able to exert both tumor-suppressive and pro-oncogenic effects. Here, we discuss how MSCs might adopt a pro- or anti-inflammatory profile in response to changes within the tumor microenvironment and how these features may lead to opposite outcomes in tumor development. Additionally, we address how differences in experimental design might impact interpretation and consistency of the current literature in this specific field. Finally, we point-out critical issues to be addressed at a pre-clinical stage, regarding safety and therapeutic effectiveness of MSCs application in cancer treatment. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/08028-1 - CEGH-CEL - Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center
• Grantee: Mayana Zatz
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 08/57899-7 - Stem cells in human genetic diseases - CETGEN
• Grantee: Mayana Zatz
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants