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

Abstract

Background: Mesenchymal 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.
Aim: The aim of this study was to detect the possibility of using mesenchymal stem cells as a future weapon against breast cancer.
Methods: PubMed, PubMed central, Springer and Cochrane databases were searched using specified terms.
Results: Literature 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.
Conclusions: The role of MSCs in breast cancer therapy is still debatable. We recommend future research in the field ofMSCsin Alexandria University as it is our hope in the fight against breast cancer.