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Mesenchymal stem cells - the secret agents of cancer immunotherapy: Promises, challenges, and surprising twists

  • Theia Minev
  • , Shani Balbuena
  • , Jaya Mini Gill
  • , Francesco M. Marincola
  • , Santosh Kesari
  • , Feng Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recognized for their immunomodulatory capabilities, tumor-homing abilities, and capacity to serve as carriers for therapeutic agents. This review delves into the role of adoptively transferred MSCs in tumor progression, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and their use in delivering anti-cancer drugs, oncolytic viruses, and genetic material. It also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with MSC therapy, such as variability in MSC preparations and potential tumorigenic effects emphasizing the need for advanced genetic engineering and personalized approaches to enhance therapeutic efficacy. The review concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of MSC-based therapies, underscoring their promise to develop effective and personalized cancer treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)793-805
Number of pages13
JournalOncotarget
Volume15
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cancer immunotherapy
  • genetic engineering
  • mesenchymal stem cell homing
  • mesenchymal stem cells
  • stem cell delivery

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