Therapeutic roles of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in cancer

J Hematol Oncol. 2021 Sep 3;14(1):136. doi: 10.1186/s13045-021-01141-y.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane structures enclosing proteins, lipids, RNAs, metabolites, growth factors, and cytokines. EVs have emerged as essential intercellular communication regulators in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Previous studies revealed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could either support or suppress tumor progression in different cancers by paracrine signaling via MSC-derived EVs. Evidence suggested that MSC-derived EVs could mimic their parental cells, possessing pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects, and inherent tumor tropism. Therefore, MSC-derived EVs can be a cell-free cancer treatment alternative. This review discusses different insights regarding MSC-derived EVs' roles in cancer treatment and summarizes bioengineered MSC-derived EVs' applications as safe and versatile anti-tumor agent delivery platforms. Meanwhile, current hurdles of moving MSC-derived EVs from bench to bedside are also discussed.

Keywords: Cancer therapy; Drug delivery; Exosome; Extracellular vesicle; Mesenchymal stem cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents