Mesenchymal stem cell-mediated cancer therapy (Stem cells for cancer) : A dual targeted strategy of personalized medicine

At Dr. StemCells Thailand’s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center, we are dedicated to pioneering innovative therapies that harness the power of mesenchymal stem cells for both blood cancer and solid organ tumor treatment. Our approach focuses on a dual-targeted strategy of personalized medicine, utilizing the unique tumor-homing capabilities of MSCs to deliver targeted therapies directly to cancer cells. This method not only enhances the specificity of treatment but also minimizes the side effects associated with conventional therapies. By integrating advanced gene engineering techniques, we aim to develop effective cancer therapies that address the limitations of traditional treatments, providing hope for patients facing various malignancies.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great potential for targeted cancer therapies due to their tumor-homing capacity. The dual-targeted strategy leverages MSCs’ ability to migrate towards tumors and incorporate into the tumor microenvironment, where they can express tumor-specific anticancer genes.

Key advantages of using engineered MSCs for cancer therapy (Stem cells for cancer) include:

– Tumor specificity provided by the tumor-directed migration of MSCs

– Ability to deliver anticancer agents directly to the tumor site

– Potential for personalized therapy by engineering MSCs with patient-specific anticancer genes

– Possibility of using autologous MSCs to avoid immune rejection

– Ability to deliver multiple anticancer agents simultaneously for a synergistic effect

Preclinical studies have demonstrated the anticancer effects of MSCs engineered with various therapeutic genes like TRAIL, cytokines, prodrug-converting enzymes, etc. in models of glioma, lung, breast, colon, pancreatic and other cancers . Developing personalized therapies using patient-derived MSCs engineered with tumor-specific anticancer genes holds promise for more effective and less toxic cancer treatments in the future.

Research has also demonstrated that engineered MSCs can deliver various therapeutic agents, including prodrug-converting enzymes and cytokines, directly to tumors. For instance, MSCs expressing herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) can convert the prodrug ganciclovir into a toxic form specifically within the tumor microenvironment, leading to selective cancer cell death (Sun et al., 2011)[1]. Additionally, studies have shown that MSCs can be modified to express tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal cells (Kidd et al., 2009)[2].

Moreover, MSCs can be engineered to produce immunomodulatory factors that enhance the body’s immune response against tumors. This capability is crucial in overcoming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, which often hinders the effectiveness of conventional therapies (Fiorina et al., 2009)[3]. The ability of MSCs to modulate immune responses further supports their potential as therapeutic agents in personalized medicine, where treatments can be tailored based on individual tumor characteristics and patient profiles.

Mesenchymal stem cell-mediated cancer therapy (Mesenchymal stem cells for cancer) represents a promising advancement in the fight against cancer. The dual-targeted strategy leverages the natural ability of MSCs to migrate toward tumors, allowing for the localized delivery of anticancer agents. This innovative approach addresses the critical challenge of tumor specificity, which has hindered the effectiveness of conventional therapies. By engineering MSCs with tumor-specific genes, we can enhance their therapeutic potential and improve patient outcomes. Our center is committed to translating these advancements into clinical applications, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient. With ongoing research and development, we strive to redefine cancer therapy and improve the quality of life for those affected by this devastating disease.

For more information, contact us today!

Reference:

1. Sun XY, Nong J, Qin K, Warnock GL, Dai LJ. Mesenchymal stem cell-mediated cancer therapy: A dual-targeted strategy of personalized medicine. World Journal of Stem Cells. 2011; 3(11): 96-103. https://doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v3.i11.96

2. Kidd S, Caldwell L, Dietrich M, et al. Mesenchymal stromal cells alone or expressing interferon-β suppress pancreatic tumors in vivo, an effect countered by anti-inflammatory treatment. Cytotherapy. 2010; 12: 615-625. https://doi.org/10.3109/14653249.2010.488982

3. Fiorina P, Jurewicz M, Augello A, et al. Immunomodulatory function of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in experimental autoimmune type 1 diabetes. The Journal of Immunology. 2009; 183(2): 993-1004. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.0900185