Stem cell-based therapies for cancer treatment: separating hope from hype

Nat Rev Cancer. 2014 Oct;14(10):683-91. doi: 10.1038/nrc3798. Epub 2014 Sep 1.

Abstract

Stem cell-based therapies are emerging as a promising strategy to tackle cancer. Multiple stem cell types have been shown to exhibit inherent tropism towards tumours. Moreover, when engineered to express therapeutic agents, these pathotropic delivery vehicles can effectively target sites of malignancy. This perspective considers the current status of stem cell-based treatments for cancer and provides a rationale for translating the most promising preclinical studies into the clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Stem Cells / physiology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers