The challenge of pancreatic cancer therapy and novel treatment strategy using engineered mesenchymal stem cells

Cancer Gene Ther. 2014 Jan;21(1):12-23. doi: 10.1038/cgt.2013.83. Epub 2014 Jan 3.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted significant attention in cancer research as a result of their accessibility, tumor-oriented homing capacity, and the feasibility of auto-transplantation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current challenges in pancreatic cancer therapy, and we propose a novel strategy for using MSCs as means of delivering anticancer genes to the site of pancreas. We aim to provide a practical platform for the development of MSC-based therapy for pancreatic cancer.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway