The effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on stem cells and wound healing. Current perspectives and challenges for cell-based therapies

Abstract

Cancers are part of the group of diseases that carry a high mortality rate. According to World Health Organization in 2020 reported 10 million deaths due to cancers. Treatment of oncological patients is focused on chemotherapeutic agents, radiology, or immunology. Surgical interventions are also an important aspect of treatment. The above methods contribute to saving the patients' health and lives. However, cancer treatment possesses side effects. Commonly observed complications are hair loss, mucositis, nausea, diarrhea, or various skin damage. To improve the quality of medical care for cancer patients, new methods of reducing side effects are sought. Strategies include the use of stem cells (SCs). Due to unlimited proliferation potential and differentiating abilities, SCs are used in the treatment of many disease entities, including wounds. One of the most used types of stem cells supposed adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs). Clinical trials confirm the application of AD-MSCs in wound healing. Furthermore, in vivo studies considered the utilization of AD-MSCs in radiation injury. The use of stem cells in cancer treatment still involves many questions, such as the impact of treatment on SCs' condition and oncological safety. However, development in regenerative medicine research may contribute to the use of stem cells in personalized medicine, customized for the patient. This could represent a breakthrough step in preventing the side effects of cancer therapies, including chronic wounds.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Radiotherapy; Regenerative medicine; Stem cell; Wound healing.