Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Drug Delivery: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Promise. (1st August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krueger, Timothy E. G.; Thorek, Daniel L. J.; Denmeade, Samuel R.; Isaacs, John T.; Brennen, W. Nathaniel
• Is Part Of: Stem cells translational medicine. Volume 7:Number 9(2018)
• Page Start: 651
• Page End: 663
• Publication Date: 2018-08-01
• Subjects: Mesenchymal stem cell -- Cell-based therapy -- Drug delivery -- Homing -- In vivo cell tracking -- Cell size; Stem cells -- Periodicals; Regenerative medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.1002/sctm.18-0024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2157-6564

Abstract

Abstract : The development of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as cell-based drug delivery vectors for numerous clinical indications, including cancer, has significant promise. However, a considerable challenge for effective translation of these approaches is the limited tumor tropism and broad biodistribution observed using conventional MSCs, which raises concerns for toxicity to nontarget peripheral tissues (i.e., the bad). Consequently, there are a variety of synthetic engineering platforms in active development to improve tumor-selective targeting via increased homing efficiency and/or specificity of drug activation, some of which are already being evaluated clinically (i.e., the good). Unfortunately, the lack of robust quantification and widespread adoption of standardized methodologies with high sensitivity and resolution has made accurate comparisons across studies difficult, which has significantly impeded progress (i.e., the ugly). Herein, we provide a concise review of active and passive MSC homing mechanisms and biodistribution postinfusion; in addition to in vivo cell tracking methodologies and strategies to enhance tumor targeting with a focus on MSC-based drug delivery strategies for cancer therapy.