A Concise Review: The Role of Stem Cells in Cancer Progression and Therapy

Abstract

The properties of cancer stem cells (CSCs) have recently gained attention as an avenue of intervention for cancer therapy. In this review, we highlight some of the key roles of CSCs in altering the cellular microenvironment in favor of cancer progression. We also report on various studies in this field which focus on transformative properties of CSCs and their influence on surrounding cells or targets through the release of cellular cargo in the form of extracellular vesicles. The findings from these studies encourage the development of novel interventional therapies that can target and prevent cancer through efficient, more effective methods. These methods include targeting immunosuppressive proteins and biomarkers, promoting immunization against tumors, exosome-mediated CSC conversion, and a focus on the quiescent properties of CSCs and their role in cancer progression. The resulting therapeutic benefit and transformative potential of these novel approaches to stem cell-based cancer therapy provide a new direction in cancer treatment, which can focus on nanoscale, molecular properties of the cellular microenvironment and establish a more precision medicine-oriented paradigm of treatment.

Keywords: biomarkers; cancer; exosomes; molecular imaging; stem cell therapy.

Figure 1

Therapeutic carrier models for cancer treatment. (Left) Cancer stem cells (CSCs) loaded with therapeutic cargo can be transplanted or delivered to site of tumor formation (tumor bed). (Right) Nanoparticles (NPs) targeting the CSCs can deliver chemotherapeutic payload and induce hyperthermia with an external applied magnetic field (AMF).