Can mesenchymal stem cells be used as a future weapon against breast cancer?

Publication date: March 2017
Source:Alexandria Journal of Medicine, Volume 53, Issue 1
Author(s): Hend AbdelGawad Shakshouk, Hayssam Rashwan
BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited to the stroma of cancers. They interact with cancer cells to promote invasion and metastasis or to suppress tumor growth. The unique tumor-homing capacity of MSCs makes them a promising vehicle to deliver various anticancer agents.AimThe aim of this study was to detect the possibility of using mesenchymal stem cells as a future weapon against breast cancer.MethodsPubMed, PubMed central, Springer and Cochrane databases were searched using specified terms.ResultsLiterature search yielded 17 manuscripts: seven of which suggested the use of MSCs in breast cancer therapy, while six studies raised the possibility that MSCs may promote tumor growth and four other studies assumed a dual role for MSCs.ConclusionsThe role of MSCs in breast cancer therapy is still debatable. We recommend future research in the field of MSCs in Alexandria University as it is our hope in the fight against breast cancer.



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